Hollyleaf clover facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hollyleaf clover
var. plummerae
Scientific classification
Genus:	Trifolium
Species:	gymnocarpon

Hollyleaf Clover (Trifolium gymnocarpon) is a special kind of clover. It gets its common name because its leaves look a bit like holly leaves! This plant grows naturally in the western parts of the United States. You can find it from California to New Mexico, and from Oregon all the way up to Montana. It likes to grow in many different places, including areas with sagebrush plants.

Discovering Hollyleaf Clover

What does the Hollyleaf Clover look like? It is a small plant that lives for many years. Plants that live for more than two years are called perennial herbs. Its stems spread out along the ground, forming a flat mat or a small clump.

Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of the Hollyleaf Clover are very interesting. Each leaf is made up of 3 to 5 smaller, thick, and hairy leaflets. These leaflets have edges that look like tiny saw teeth, which is called "serrated."

The flowers grow in a special cluster called an umbel. An umbel is like an umbrella shape where all the flower stalks come from one point. These flower clusters can spread out or even bend downwards. Each flower is about one centimeter long. They are usually a dull pink or brownish color.

Meet the Subspecies

Sometimes, a plant species can have slightly different groups within it. These groups are called subspecies.

Plummer's Clover

One special subspecies of Hollyleaf Clover is called Trifolium gymnocarpon ssp. plummerae. It is also known as Plummer's Clover. This particular subspecies is considered an Endangered species in California. This means there are not many of these plants left in California, and they need protection. However, outside of California, this subspecies seems to be doing well.