Description

Hare’s-foot Clover is an attractive little annual about 10-30 cm high. Like other clovers each leaf is divided into three spreading leaflets but in this species they are relatively long and narrow. However it is the flower heads that are the most distinctive feature of this plant which, as its common name suggests, look a little like hare’s or rabbit’s feet. This appearance is due to the hairs that cover the calyx and protect the pale rose coloured flowers from the sun’s heat.

Habitat Information

Hare’s-foot Clover is a native annual or occasional biennial of open, rocky or sandy sites such as acidic heathlands, sea-cliffs, sand dunes or manmade habitats like waste land and arable field boundaries on light, sandy soils. It will not thrive in damp soils or under shade but works best on slightly acidic, exposed, open ground and can be added to EM7 or ER1.

Growing Information

Best sown in the autumn as, in common with other legumes, the seed coat is very hard and water resistant and need time to soften. If need, be germination can be sped up with a light scarification.