Sprawling hardy perennial. Member of the Pea family. Also known as Kitty Clover, Bee Bread, Sugar Plums, Sleeping Maggie, Cow Grass and Marl Grass. Trifoliate leaves which each have a white V-shaped chevron on them (this chevron is absent in White Clover), and pink-red balls of flowers from May to September. According to the Doctrine of Signatures, the white leaf markings meant the plant would be useful in treating cataracts.Found in rough ground, grassy places and meadows. Can grow up to 2 ft (60 cm) high. Sir Richard Weston of Sutton Manor, Surrey, introduced Red Clover to England in 1645. "Trifolium" refers to its usual number of leaves - 3, although this does vary. Three leaves stand for the Trinity (and because of this it was thought to be an effective plant against witches), four for luck, five for fame, six for money and seven for prosperity. Whoever carries a three-leaf Clover would be able to detect witches, sorcerors and fairies. In the Middle Ages, a four-leaf Clover was thought more powerful against evil than a three-leaf. Because it represents the sign of the cross A five-leaf was said to be worn by witches to give them evil powers; a two-leaf would give a maiden the power to see her future love, or the return of a lover.
Attracts butterflies, moths and other long-tongued insects, particularly bumblebees and hive bees - it sometimes known as Bee Bread. Red Clover sets no seed in the absence of bees - this was discovered when the plant was first introduced to New Zealand and Australia, so bees had to be brought in to pollinate it. Leaves are food for the caterpillars of the Clouded Yellow, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Painted Lady and Pale Clouded Yellow butterflies, and several moths, such as the Latticed Heath, Shaded broad Bar, Mother Skipton, Tawny Wave, Chalk Carpet and Belted Beauty. Also the Narrow-bordered five-spot Burnet moth. Finches eat the seeds. It is, therefore, an important wildlife plant.
It is also an important meadow plant because the bacteria in the tiny nodules on the roots help to fix nitrogen in the soil. It is also good for the compost heap. It contains Vitamins C and B, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Chlorine and Calcium - so the leaves are good additions to salads. The plant also contains small amounts of silica, Choline, and Lecithin - all essential for normal bodily function. The flowers are erect when awaiting fertilization but droop down when they don't need to be fertilized by a bee.
Since antiquity, Red Clover has been an important agricultural and animal fodder crop. The Druids believed Clover to be a symbol of the earth, sea and heavens. The Native American Indians used it to treat cancers, tumours and skin conditions and as a body purifier. Flowers can be taken internally for eczema and psoriasis, and applied externally for ulcers, sores and burns. The plant is also said to be able to balance blood sugars, is good for calming coughs in bronchitis. It is used in treating breast cancer, cancer of the ovaries and lymphatic system and whooping cough. Fresh flowerheads can also be made into wine. It can sometimes help athlete's foot. Flowers and leaves can be made into a tea for flatulence and to sooth nerves, neuralgia and nausea. Good for calming coughs in bronchitis. Plant can also be used as a tea to suppress appetite. It also works as a muscle-relaxant. Red Clover has a contraceptive effect on sheep. Flowerheads can be popped like corn and eaten as a snack. The flowers have been added to anti-asthma cigarettes. Used to be used in the making of Clover wine.
Place a leaf in your shoe, over a door, or swallow it whole, and the first man to come your way (if you're a woman!) will be the man you will marry. To dream of a field of Clover is lucky. Children used to pull the individual blossoms out of the flower and suck the nectar out of the ends. If you wish to see fairies, place seven grains of wheat on a four-leaf Clover and they may appear before you. Offer a flower stalk to your partner when seeking a promise of fidelity (gather the flower stalk when the moon is full). Wear a flower near your heart and it will mend it when a love affair has ended sadly. Wear Clover over your right breast for success in whatever you do. Grow Clover to keep snakes from your property. On the Isle of Man, Red Clover is believed to close up its leaves if a storm is due.
Plant in sun. Loves chalky soils but will grow in most soil types. Doesn't flourish in fields with buttercups.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*
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