Wild Wednesday – White Clover
This week's spotlight is on White Clover, scientific name, Trifolium repens, a familiar wildflower that can be found growing in lawns, parks, road verges and grasslands across the Arun District. It is an important food source for bees, butterflies and other insects.
White clover is easy to recognise by its distinctive three-leafed foliage and rounded clusters of creamy-white flowers, which often develop a pink tinge as they age. While most plants have three leaflets, the occasional four-leaf clover can be found, giving rise to the well-known symbol of good luck.
The plant flowers from late spring through to autumn, providing a valuable and long-lasting source of nectar for pollinators. Bumblebees, honeybees and butterflies are frequent visitors, making it an important species for supporting local biodiversity.
Across Arun District, wildflower meadows and areas of longer grass are being encouraged on council-managed land to help wildlife thrive. These habitats provide food and shelter for insects, birds and small mammals, with white clover playing a key role in these ecosystems.
This clover belongs to the pea family and has the remarkable ability to improve soil health by working with bacteria in its roots to naturally add nitrogen to the soil. This helps surrounding plants grow and supports healthy grassland habitats.
So next time you're out enjoying one of Arun's parks, green spaces or grasslands, take a closer look beneath your feet - you may spot a patch of white clover buzzing with pollinators, or even discover a lucky four-leaf clover!
Read more here: White Clover | The Wildlife Trusts