Trifolium dubium, Lesser Trefoil

Common Name: Lesser Trefoil

Trifolium dubium, more commonly known as Lesser Trefoil, is a low to short plant, usually hairy with spreading to ascending stems. Trifoliate, leaflets oval to heart shaped, the terminal leaflet short-stalked. Flowers yellow, becoming browner with age, small 2 to 3 mm in small heads with up to 6 flowers. Low to short, usually hairy with spreading to ascending stems. Trifoliate, leaflets oval to heart shaped, the terminal leaflet short-stalked. Flowers yellow, becoming browner with age, small 2 to 3 mm in small heads with up to 6 flowers.

Similar to other plants such as Hop-trefoils (Trifolium campestre and T. micranthum) and (when not in fruit) Black Medick (Medicago lupulina). Standards are ridged like a roof and fold down either side of the pods, unlike Trifolium campestre. Flowers brighter and smaller than Hop Trefoil. When not in fruit, both trefoils are similar to Black Medick in flower, but Black Medick leaves are much more hairy and have an apiculate point (i.e a short fine 'needle' from the end of the leaflet).

Found, May to October, on grassy habitats with dry soils, roadside verges and waste ground. Common throughout the UK.

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