Trifolium angustifolium (narrow-leaf clover)
Datasheet Types: Pest, Documented species, Host plant
Abstract
This datasheet on Trifolium angustifolium covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.
Identity
- Preferred Scientific Name
- Trifolium angustifolium L.
- Preferred Common Name
- narrow-leaf clover
- International Common Names
- Englishnarrow clovernarrowleaf crimson clovernarrow-leaf crimson clovernarrow-leaved clovernarrow-leaved crimson clover
- Local Common Names
- Swedenluddklöver
Pictures
Habit
Trifolium angustifolium (narrow-leaf clover); habit, showing flowers and leaves.
©Dick Culbert-2008, Gibsons, British Colombia, Canada/via wikipedia - CC BY 2.0
Flowers
Trifolium angustifolium (narrow-leaf clover); flowers and leaves. Keila, Estonia. August 2013.
©Ivar Leidus-2013, Estonia/via wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0
Summary of Invasiveness
The narrow-leaf clover Trifolium angustifolium is an annual legume native to central, southern and eastern Europe, western Asia and North Africa. It has been introduced elsewhere and is valued for forage and pasture improvement. It has become an environmental weed in a few countries such as Australia, Japan and Chile but has not been reported as an aggressive invader. It is included in the IUCN Red List (Least Concern) for its value as a genetic resource for forage legumes.
Taxonomic Tree
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Trifolium angustifolium is one of about 300 species in this genus of the Fabaceae and is a wild relative of the cultivated crops crimson clover (T. incarnatum) and red clover (T. pratense) (Osborne, 2013). The following subspecies are included in The Plant List (2013): T. angustifolium subsp. intermedium (Guss.) Ponert and subsp. pamphylicum (Boiss. & Heldr.) Ponert. It is commonly referred to as narrow-leaf clover or narrow-leaved crimson clover (EPPO, 2014). The common name ‘white clover’ is listed in the IUCN Red List (Lopez Poveda, 2012; Osborne, 2013), but T. angustifolium has pink flowers and the name ‘white clover’ is usually reserved for T. repens.
Plant Type
Annual
Herbaceous
Seed propagated
Description
T. angustifolium is an annual herb growing to about 0.1- 0.6 m high. Its inflorescence is a cylindrical spike of pale-pink flowers, 1-5 cm in height, each flower having a calyx of sepals that have long, needle-like lobes which harden into bristles when the plant dries. Its herbage is of a hairy texture with solid stems and alternate trifoliate leaves with linear to lance-shaped leaflets up to 4.5 cm long (Webb et al., 1988).
Distribution
T. angustifolium is native to central, eastern and southern Europe and the Mediterranean regions of Africa and Asia (Harshberger, 1922; Blake, 1923; Zohary and Heller, 1984; Osborne, 2013). There is some uncertainty about its native/introduced status in Belarus, Ukraine, Switzerland, Madeira and the Canary Islands (Lopez Poveda, 2012; Osborne, 2013; USDA-ARS, 2016). It has naturalized in some countries and is noted as an environmental weed in Australia and Japan (Auld et al., 2003) and Chile (Marticorena and Quezada, 1985). This species has not been reported as an aggressive invader.
Distribution Map
Distribution Table
History of Introduction and Spread
T. angustifolium was recorded for the first time in California, USA, in 1922 (Blake (1923).
Means of Movement and Dispersal
T. angustifolium seeds are mainly dispersed by agricultural activities and, due to bristles on the seeds, adhesion to the fleece of sheep (Manzano and Malo, 2006; Fernández-Lugo et al., 2011, TERRAIN, 2015).
Pathway Causes
| Pathway cause | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crop production (pathway cause) | Used as a green manure | Yes | ||
| Forage (pathway cause) | Used in making hay as a protein source | Yes |
Pathway Vectors
| Pathway vector | Notes | Long distance | Local | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livestock (pathway vector) | Seeds attach to the fleece of sheep during grazing | Yes | ||
| Plants or parts of plants (pathway vector) | Yes | Yes |
Plant Trade
| Plant parts liable to carry the pest in trade/transport | Pest stages | Borne internally | Borne externally | Visibility of pest or symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| True seeds (inc. grain) | weeds/seeds | Yes |
Growth Stages
Vegetative growing stage
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
T. angustifolium can be distinguished from other Trifolium species by its long pink flower heads and narrow leaflets. An identification key to the clovers of New Zealand was presented by Healy (1961).
Habitat
T. angustifolium has been observed colonizing disturbed areas like roadsides, pastures, paddocks and coastal areas, generally on course-textured soils low in nutrients (Fletcher, 2007; Hackney et al., 2007).
Habitat List
| Category | Sub category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrial | ||||
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Managed grasslands (grazing systems) | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Managed grasslands (grazing systems) | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial – Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Present, no further details | Natural |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Rocky areas / lava flows | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
| Terrestrial | Terrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-natural | Rocky areas / lava flows | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
| Littoral | Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) | |
| Littoral | Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
Biology and Ecology
Genetics
The chromosome number is 2n=16 (Löve, 1980; CCDB, 2015).
Reproductive Biology
T. angustifolium reproduces sexually through seed. The seed size is relatively small compared with other annual clovers and is associated with high fecundity (Norman et al., 2005).
Physiology and Phenology
The germination rate of T. angustifolium seed is low in unsuitable environments with growth being directly related to availability of water (Western Australian Herbarium, 2015). This species has long-term hardseededness which allows risk of failure to spread across seasons (Norman et al., 2005) as the hard coat makes this plant very tolerant of abiotic factors. Seeds of T. angustifolium have been found to persist in the soil of forests despite being absent above ground (Erfanzadeh et al., 2013). Studies on germination have shown that smoke and charred wood solutions enhance seed germination but this is negatively affected by exogenous applications of nitrogenous compounds and/or salts (Pérez-Fernández and Rodríquez-Echeverría, 2003).
Associations
T. angustifolium has a symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria in the soil which makes it possible for this plant to colonize disturbed areas and nutrient-poor soils (Driouech et al., 2008).
Environmental Requirements
T. angustifolium prefers dry, usually nutrient-poor, disturbed, acid soils (Fletcher, 2007). There is little information on tolerance of frost and drought, however, the closely related crimson clover T. incarnatum is considered sensitive to these abiotic factors (Frame, 2015).
Climate
| Climate type | Description | Preferred or tolerated | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS - Steppe climate | > 430mm and < 860mm annual precipitation | Preferred | |
| Cs - Warm temperate climate with dry summer | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry summers | Preferred | |
| Cw - Warm temperate climate with dry winter | Warm temperate climate with dry winter (Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry winters) | Preferred |
Latitude/Altitude Ranges
| Latitude North (°N) | Latitude South (°S) | Altitude lower (m) | Altitude upper (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 45 |
Air Temperature
| Parameter | Lower limit (°C) | Upper limit (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute minimum temperature | -3 | |
| Mean annual temperature | 15 | 16 |
| Mean maximum temperature of hottest month | 22 | 35 |
| Mean minimum temperature of coldest month | 0 | 18 |
Rainfall
| Parameter | Lower limit | Upper limit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry season duration | number of consecutive months with <40 mm rainfall | ||
| Mean annual rainfall | 400 | 900 | mm; lower/upper limits |
Soil Tolerances
Soil texture > light
Soil reaction > acid
Soil reaction > alkaline
Special soil tolerances > infertile
List of Pests
Impact Summary
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Environment (generally) | Positive and negative |
Impact: Economic
The positive economic impact of T. angustifolium relates to its forage value and use as a nitrogen-fixing green manure. No information has been found on economic impact when it is present as a weed.
Impact: Environmental
Impact on Habitats
T. angustifolium is adapted to nutrient-poor soils (a characteristic of Mediterranean environments) (Muensher, 1955; Webb et al., 2003). This attribute enables it to establish in areas which have low levels of vegetation providing the potential for moderate changes in the density or cover of the herbaceous layer.
Through the symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria, there is also potential for T. angustifolium to alter the soil nutrient balance where introduced. It is able to fix between 131.7 and 146.7kg/ha/year (Driouech et al., 2008).
Impact on Biodiversity
T. angustifolium has a relatively large inflorescence, long flowering period and high nectar production which attracts bees. This may indirectly affect the pollination of domesticated crops and native plants.
The increased soil nitrogen resulting from an introduced legume may alter the plant community and aid the establishment of other alien plants that are more invasive.
In California, USA, the threatened annual Halocarpha macradenia (Santa Cruz tarplant) is disadvantaged by overgrowth by non-native species including T. angustifolium (Holl and Hayes, 2005; US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2014).
Threatened Species
| Threatened species | Where threatened | Mechanisms | References | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holocarpha macradenia (Santa Cruz tarplant) | California | Competition |
Risk and Impact Factors
Invasiveness
Fast growing
Has high reproductive potential
Has propagules that can remain viable for more than one year
Impact outcomes
Increases vulnerability to invasions
Modification of nutrient regime
Threat to/ loss of endangered species
Threat to/ loss of native species
Impact mechanisms
Competition (unspecified)
Likelihood of entry/control
Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
Uses
Economic Value
T. angustifolium has long been utilized as self-seeding forage in making hay or direct grazing. Studies conducted by Kamalak and Canbolat (2010) on its nutritive value showed that it contains high levels of crude proteins. However with advancing maturity, its nutritive value decreases. Its low tannin levels enable it to be used as an alternative legume to reduce bloating risk in ruminants grazed on pastures.
Its rapid establishments and association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria make T. angustifolium suitable as a winter cover crop to produce green manure in organic or low-input vegetable production systems in Mediterranean regions (Driouech et al., 2008). It is also valued for honey production.
T. angustifolium is also recognized as a potential gene donor to other cultivated clovers (T. incarnatum and T. pratense) and it has been included in the IUCN Red List for this reason (Osborne, 2013).
Social Benefit
This plant is traditionally used to treat diarrhoea and relieve stomach aches (Rauter et al., 2002).
Uses List
Medicinal, pharmaceutical > Traditional/folklore
Human food and beverage > Honey/honey flora
Animal feed, fodder, forage > Forage
Genetic importance > Gene source
Prevention and Control
Due to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
Cultural Control and Sanitary Measures
Normal cultivation practices effectively control clovers, including T. angustifolium, in crops. When carried out before flowering, the seed bank is reduced (UC IPM, 2014). Mulching of invaded areas using compost, wood chips or organic mulch helps reduce weed spread by limiting the amount of light available. Mulch also preserves moisture for the cultivated crops giving them a competitive edge over T. angustifolium. Changing the fertilizer programme, by increasing the rates of nitrogen and reducing phosphorous, helps control re-infestation by T. angustifolium and other leguminous weeds (UC IPM, 2014).
T. angustifolium has a hard seed coat which means that composting and soil solarization do not reduce seed viability (UC IPM, 2014).
Physical/Mechanical Control
Where T. angustifolium has spread to new areas, especially cultivated plots, hand pulling before flowering or seed set may reduce spread (UC IPM, 2014).
Movement Control
As grazing sheep are known to disperse seeds which adhere to their fleece, avoid livestock in areas colonized by T. angustifolium after flowering (DiTomaso and Healy, 2007).
Biological Control
Grazing animals will feed on T. angustifolium, however, as mentioned above, there is a risk that they aid seed dispersal (Manzano and Malo, 2006). No biological control using arthropods or pathogens has been considered as this plant is often used for pasture or soil improvement.
Chemical Control
Pre-emergent and/or post-emergent herbicides such as glyphosate have been used against clovers. However, these weeds tend to regrow after chemical treatment (UC IPM, 2014). Western Australian Herbarium (2015) recommends glyphosate before flowering and spot spray with clopyralid up to the 6-leaf stage for control of T. angustifolium.
Links to Websites
| Name | URL | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| GISD/IASPMR: Invasive Alien Species Pathway Management Resource and DAISIE European Invasive Alien Species Gateway | https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.m93f6 | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
| Global register of Introduced and Invasive species (GRIIS) | http://griis.org/ | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
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