Trifolium gymnocarpon is a species of clover known by the common name hollyleaf clover.
It is native to the western United States.
Description Trifolium gymnocarpon is a small perennial herb with stems spreading along the ground to form a flat mat or clump. The leaves are each made up of three hairy leaflets with serrated edges (though due to a relatively common genetic mutation, they may have four or five leaflets). The inflorescence is an umbel of flowers spreading out or flexing downward. The flower is roughly long and dull pink or brownish in color.
Subspecies Trifolium gymnocarpon ssp. plummerae — Plummer's clover, an Endangered species within California, but the subspecies is apparently secure, considering populations outside California.California Native Plant Society, Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8-02): Trifolium gymnocarpon ssp. plummerae . accessed 2.28.2016.
Distribution and habitat It is native to the western United States, from California to New Mexico, and Oregon to Montana. It can be found in many types of habitat, including sagebrush scrub.
References
External links
Calflora Database: Trifolium gymnocarpon (Hollyleaf clover) Jepson Manual eFlora (TJM2) treatment of Trifolium gymnocarpon ssp. plummerae Southwest Colorado Wildflowers UC CalPhotos gallery: Trifolium gymnocarpon ssp. plummerae