CLOVER 



with a lighter-green triangle. The apex is obtuse and sometimes 

 a little notched. Two stipules, more or less grown together 

 sheathe Jhe base of every leaf -stalk. . The globular flower heads 

 range in color through deep and pale rose-pink, sometimes are 

 almost white. The tiny florets yield plentiful 

 nectar which is mainly the property of the 

 bumblebees. 



White Clover, Trifolium rbpens, is a perma- 

 nent resident of the roadside and seeks to be 

 of the lawn. The slender stems, rooting at the 

 nodes, creep and spread, are quick to have 

 and strong to hold. The leaves are long- 

 petioled; the leaflets much smaller than those 

 of the Red Clover, ovate, obovate, or obcor- 

 date, obtuse at apex or notched, and fre- 

 quently marked with a little pale triangle. At 

 night the two lateral leaflets come forward 

 and meet, the middle leaflet bends over, and 

 the leaf holds this position until morning. 

 The heads stand up on long slender stems, 

 well above the leaves, and as each tiny floret matures it becomes 

 brown and reflexed. Thus by a glance it is possible to tell 

 exactly the age of a White Clover head. The nectar is extremely 

 delicate; belongs chiefly to the honey-bee, and White Clover 

 honey commands the highest price in the market. 



White Clover is one of the claimants to the name Shamrock. 

 The plant was certainly brought to this country from Europe; it is 

 also believed to be native here. 



Alsike, or Alsatian Clover, Trifolium hybridum, is somewhat 

 similar to the White Clover, but a larger plant with a stout, branch- 

 ing stem. The finely serrate leaflets are ovate or obovate, but not 

 obcordate, though sometimes slightly notched at apex. The 

 flower heads resemble those of White Clover but are larger, in 

 color varying from soft-pink to pinkish-cream and white; are 

 exceedingly beautiful, fragrant, and rich in honey. The florets 

 darken and turn downward as they grow old. 



243 



Head of White Clover. 

 Trifolium ripens 



