What is Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum)?
Crimson clover (scientific name: Trifolium incarnatum) is an annual, sometimes biennial plant in the butterfly flower family (Leguminosae). Crimson clover is native to the Mediterranean region in Europe, including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, the Balkan Peninsula (South Europe), and Turkey. Due to its use as fodder, it now occurs in many areas across the United States and Japan, where it was not found before.
It is a nitrogen-fixing legume that can grow up to 20 cm to 50 cm ( 8-50 inches) tall and has a rich red color.
Crimson clover is known for its beautiful flowers and has been shown to have a variety of health benefits.
The crimson clover is also known as scarlet clover, German clover, French clover, Italian clover, carnation clover, and incarnate clover. It is a warm-season plant that typically flowers from May to July.
What is Crimson Clover Used for?
Crimson clover is used as a forage crop, green manure, or cover crop. It can be used to improve soil fertility and moisture retention, and it can help to suppress weeds. The crimson clover is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
The crimson clover has a long history as a medicinal plant. The root and stem are used to treat numerous medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.
Crimson clover is used for its flowers, leaves, seeds, and hay. Crimson clover is also used as a food source for animals such as rabbits and deer.
The flowers and sprouts are both edible and can be used in salads or dishes. The sprouts are high in antioxidants and contain a range of other nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C, and K. They also contain significant amounts of fiber and protein. In addition to their health benefits, sprouts are also said to be versatile culinary ingredients. But like all raw-eaten sprouts, they possess the risk of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Bacillus cereus ( a spore-forming bacterium) contamination.
The flowers of the crimson clover can be used to make a variety of products, including wine, honey, syrup, herbal teas, or herbal remedies.
The leaves and stems of this common weed are also used in cooking and as a flavoring agent.
Crimson Clover seeds: are they Useful?
The seeds of the crimson clover are used to produce hay, feed, and biofuel. While the seeds are not as popular as other types of clover, they may be useful for specific purposes.
How did the Crimson Clover get its Name?
The crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) got its name from the color of its flowers – they are a deep, brilliant red like ruby. The crimson clover flowers look like long spikes of vibrant red.
The word “crimson” is derived from an insect called the kermes. Originally, the color crimson was a deep red dye made from the scale insect, Kermes vermilio. For centuries, people have used this dye to color fine cloth and velvet.
The word “crimson” originated from Old Spanish cremesin, Middle English crimisin, or from Arabic qirmizi red of the kermes, from qirmiz kermes.
How is Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum) Cultivated?
Crimson clover can be grown as a winter or summer annual, depending on the location. The crimson clover blooms from May to July.
It is a herbaceous plant that can thrive in a variety of climates and prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. The blood-red flowers are pollinated by bees, which helps to propagate the plant. Crimson clover occurs on cropland, pastures, and roadsides.
This common weed prefers moist, well-drained soil but can also grow on dry, sandy soils of moderate acidity, while most perennial clovers cannot.
Conclusion: Crimson Clover
In conclusion, the crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is an annual plant that can be found in many areas of Europe, Turkey, the United States, and Japan. Trifolium incarnatum is a great choice for a wildflower garden or meadow and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It also makes an attractive addition to flower arrangements.
The plant is noted for its scarlet petals, which give it its name. Some believe that the color of the petals may have something to do with how the plant fares in different soils and climates.
Macro photography
The macro shot above was taken during a walk in a forest, handheld, with my Canon DSLR. I remember that it was a warm, beautiful day. Therefore, I had to use a polarization filter on my macro lens because the sun was shining very bright.
There was a whole field of these wildflowers called “Crimson clover”. I just took two images of this plant and thought by myself: “Ach, these are just wildflowers, weed, so no big deal :-). But when I came home and was looking at my harvest of pictures, I was pleasantly surprised by how the image of the crimson clover came out. I decided to print it out for myself. And though I say so myself: It looks gorgeous on photo paper!
Image details
- Camera: Canon EOS 750D
- Camera lens: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro OS HSM
- Camera tripod: No tripod, just handheld
- Filter: B+W 62 MRC circular-polarization filter
