Trifolium reflexum

Trifolium reflexum, the buffalo clover,^[2] is a species of clover native to the Eastern United States. It is found in areas of natural openings including woodlands, glades, and prairies, often in acidic areas.^[3] It is an annual or biennial that produces white to dark pink flowers in the late spring.

Trifolium reflexum
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Genus:	Trifolium
Species:	T. reflexum
Binomial name
Trifolium reflexum L.

Early in the European colonization of the Americas, clover species, likely including T. reflexum as well as related species such as T. stoloniferum, were recorded as forming a major component of the plant life in meadows and open woodlands, often in association with river cane, nettles, and other legumes.^[4]

Like many native clovers of the Eastern United States, Trifolium reflexum's populations have declined considerably in the past 200 years. For this species, fire suppression is indicated as a significant cause for decline.^[5] Controlled burns have been found to stimulate seed germination in T. reflexum.^[6]

As host plant

Buffalo clover is a host plant for the caterpillars of the following butterfly species:

• Colias philodice
• Colias eurytheme
• Everes comyntas
• Strymon melinus
• Thorybes pylades

Gallery

• 
  Trifolium reflexum - Close-up of flowers
• 
  Top of flower
• 
  Adaxial side of leaf, showing chevrons and slight pubescence
• 
  Pubescent stem, stipule, and petioles