What Are the Different Kinds of Clover?
There are approximately 300 species of clover occurring in nearly every part of the world, including agriculturally significant species such as the red clover, alsike clover and white clover. These three clovers are rich in calcium, protein and phosphorus, making them ideal for livestock and soil.
The USDA Plants Database lists many clover species from all over the world. Some examples are the African clover, the Egyptian clover, the Santa Cruz clover on the other side of the world, the showy Indian clover, the hardy Rocky Mountain clover and the sharp-tooth clover, to name some of the most well known. Some species, such as the Aztec clover, are not nearly as widespread but still provide important sustenance for the local wildlife and livestock. Clovers come in all shapes and sizes as well from the tiny dwarf clover to the wide-leafed parasol clover. Other clover species include the narrowleaf crimson clover, open clover, sharp-tooth clover, rabbitfoot clover, golden clover, bearded clover, Andrews’ clover, Beirut clover and notchleaf clover.
The white clover is one of the most widespread clovers in the world. Its native range is limited to north Africa, western Asia and Europe, but now appears throughout the world after its introduction to agriculture as an important dietary staple for foraging livestock.
