Thompson's clover facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thompson's clover |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Trifolium
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| Species: |
thompsonii
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Thompson's clover (Trifolium thompsonii) is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the legume family, which includes peas and beans. This special plant is found only in Washington state in the United States. This means it is endemic to that area. You can find large groups of these plants in places like the Entiat Slopes Natural Area Preserve in Chelan County.
About Thompson's Clover
What It Looks Like
Thompson's clover is a fairly large plant. Its thick stem can grow up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. Its leaves are interesting, divided into three to eight smaller parts called leaflets. These leaflets have tiny saw-like edges.
The flowers of Thompson's clover grow in a round cluster. They are a bright red-lavender color. You can see these lovely flowers blooming from May through July. Many insects help the clover make seeds. These helpers, called pollinators, include bumblebees and a butterfly known as the Greenish Blue.
Where It Lives
This plant can grow in several different types of natural areas. Scientists have found it in various plant communities. For example, it grows in cooler, wetter forests where trees like Douglas fir are common. In these spots, you might also see other plants like Spiraea betulifolia or Penstemon fruticosus.
Thompson's clover also lives in drier, more open areas. These places often have plants like sagebrush and different kinds of grasses. Sometimes, it grows in areas with Ponderosa pine trees. These spots have fewer tall bushes and more grass. It can even be found in very dry habitats with many small flowering plants, called forbs.
Protecting This Plant
Because Thompson's clover is so special and only grows in Washington, efforts are made to protect it. In 1977, a special place was created just for this plant. It is called the Thompson Clover Research Natural Area. This area is located in the Wenatchee National Forest. Its main purpose is to help scientists study the clover and keep it safe for the future.
