Santa Cruz Clover
(Trifolium buckwestiorum )
Fabaceae

Photo Copyright 1997 Doreen L. Smith

Description: Annual herb without hairs. Leaves with 3 leaflets, elliptic to obovate with finely serrate edges, and 1/4 - 5/8 inches (.5-1.5cm) long. Base of leaf stems contain leaf-like appendages with many bristle-tipped teeth. Inflorescence are head-like, 5/16 - 1/2 inches (8-12mm) long, with 5-many flowers, and a bowl-shaped involucre. The calyx lobes have 3-5 tiny teeth with 1/16 inch (1-1.5mm) long bristles. The petals are pale pink or white, and 1/4 inch (6-7mm) long.

Distribution:

Habitat: Grassy. Elevation 336 - 1952 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - October.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B