Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪt klˈə͡ʊvə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "white clover" is fairly straightforward. "White" is spelled as it sounds, with the "wh" making a "hw" sound, and "ite" sounding like "ite" in "kite." "Clover" is spelled with a "cl" sound, "o" as "oh," "v" as "v," "e" as "er" in "her," and "r" as "r." The IPA phonetic transcription of "white clover" is /hwaɪt ˈkloʊvər/. This plant is often used in lawns and as a forage crop for livestock.
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. It is a low-growing, creeping plant that commonly grows in lawns, fields, and meadows. The name "white clover" derives from its distinctive white flower heads which resemble clover blooms.
The leaves of white clover are trifoliate, composed of three leaflets. Each leaflet is oval-shaped with a characteristic white chevron mark on the upper surface. The stems are thin, branching, and prostrate, allowing the plant to spread and form dense patches.
White clover is known for its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, providing nutrients to the soil and benefiting nearby plants. It has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that reside in nodules on its roots.
This species attracts a wide range of beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, due to its abundant nectar and pollen. It serves as a valuable food source for both wildlife and livestock.
White clover has various uses, including as a forage crop for grazing animals, as a cover crop to enhance soil fertility, and as a component in wildflower meadows and green roofs. Additionally, it is often included in seed mixes for lawns due to its ability to tolerate frequent mowing and its ability to fix nitrogen, which reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers. The plant's resilience and adaptability make it a popular choice for various ecological and agricultural purposes.
A small species of clover bearing white flowers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The etymology of the word "white clover" originates from the Middle English word "white", which was derived from the Old English word "hwīt". "Clover" comes from the Old English word "clāfre", which can be traced back to the Late Latin term "trifolium", ultimately derived from the Classical Latin word "trēs" meaning "three" and "folium" meaning "leaf". The term "white clover" refers to a species of clover (Trifolium repens) that has white flowers.
