Red Clover

Botanical Name: Trifolium pratense

In bloom

In bloom

Fun Facts:

  • Was imported from Europe
  • Grown to increase the fertility of the soil because it produces nitrogen
  • Flowers smell like honey; very sweet
  • Draws in bees, which leads to clover honey
  • Is the state flower of Vermont!

Location found: is very persistant, so likes to grow in old fields, along roads, lawns, etc.

Identification: has a dense dome-shaped flower cluster, which consists of numerous, long bilaterly symmetrical pink flowers.  The grouped three leaflets are deep green, with a light green “v” in the center. low growing,

Edible Parts: flower and sometimes flower and leaves

Harvesting:

  • Do not pick near roads, walkways or other areas where there is potential of the area having been sprayed with chemicals.

Culinary Uses:

  •   May be eaten raw and seldom in salads

Medicinal Uses:

  •  One of the richest sources of isoflavones, which are water-soluable chemicals that act like estrogens.  This makes it great for relieving hot flashes/flushes, PMS, breast enhancement and breast health
  • Helps lower cholesterol
  • As a diuretic, improves urine production and blood circulation
  • Helps prevent osteoporosis
  • Reduces the possibility of blood clots and arterial plaques
  • Limits development of benign prostate hyperplasia
  • Excellent source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine and Vitamin C
  • Kills many types of bacteria and is antiviral
  • Has anti inflammatory properties
  • Is antispasmodic
  • Anticatarrhal
  • Is helpful in quitting smoking
  • Should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women in any form

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