CLOVER

17th March 2024

Photo Credit: Elliott Bignell (Getty Images), CANVA

QUOTATION

The even mead, that erst brought sweetly forth

the freckled cowslip, burnet and green clover,

wanting the scythe, withal uncorrected, rank,

Conceives by idleness, and nothing teems,

But hateful docks, rough thistles, kecksies, burrs,

Losing both beauty and utility.

BURGUNDY: Henry V, Act 5, Scene 2

CLOVER (Trifolium species)

Clover is one of the meadow plants that Burgundy sees as a product of a peaceful France as opposed to the weeds and unproductiveness of war. Clovers are useful fodder plants, fix nitrogen and also provide nectar for bees. They have multiple benefits for soils and habitats. John Gerard (1597) tells us that these plants are called “in English, Common Trefoile, Three leaved grass: of some Suckles, Honey-suckles, and Cock’s Heads: In Irish Shamrocks.” and “oxen and other cattell do feed on the herb, as also calves and yong lambs. The flours are acceptable to bees.”

Clover species have three leaves, the example in the picture above is a rare, four—leaved clover in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. Two of the most common Clover species are White Clover (Trifolium repens) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense).

More Information

BSBI Plant Atlas 2020: White Clover, Red Clover

Folger Shakespeare Library: Search Shakespeare’s Works

Gerard, J. 1597 The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes (1636 accessed via via Archive.org)