Trifolium ochroleucon - Sulphur Clover

Trifolium ochroleucon is a large clover also known as Sulphur Clover, Beige Clover, Yellowish Clover, or Pale-Yellow Clover, referring to the colour of its large ovoid spikes. It is a very hardy perennial plant. It is common in uncultivated lands, but decorative with a natural and well-groomed appearance. It forms a well-rounded clump, delicately blooming with pale-yellow flowers in June-July. It is perfect alongside blue perennial geraniums or botanical daylilies. Not demanding, it will thrive in any good garden soil that is not too dry. It prefers a sunny exposure.

It belongs to the large Fabaceae family and the genus Trifolium, which includes nearly 200 botanical species present on all continents, except Australia. This hardy perennial plant is native to Western, Central and Southern Europe, Eastern Asia, and Algeria. It forms a very rounded and dense clump, reaching a height of 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) and a width of about 30cm (12in). The flowering takes place in June-July. The tiny yellowish-white flowers, measuring 16 to 20mm (1in) long, are upright and gathered in initially globular, then oval, heads at the tip of floral stems just above the foliage. The deciduous foliage is composed of leaves divided into 3 entire, obovate or oblong leaflets. They are soft, villous on both sides, and medium green in colour. The fruit is a pod containing seeds that easily self-sow in light soil.

Trifolium ochroleucon is an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance perennial plant. Its natural charm works wonders in borders and countryside flower beds, in front of yellow foxgloves, and Austrian veronicas, or with the drooping Symphyandra or even bellflowers. It pairs well with perennial geraniums (Geranium 'Blue Cloud', G. 'Orion', G. dalmaticum).