By Staff
To purist habitat managers non-native plant species are dastardly demons to be eradicated at all cost. However, there is one instance where the wildlife utilizing the habitat would disagree, clover. Clover has become such an important component of the ecosystem that it could almost be considered essential. It hasn't always been this way, though. There are only a very few clovers native to North America and they are mostly limited to prairies. White and purple prairie clovers and running buffalo clover are native to central U.S. prairies. I think all of these are listed as threatened or endangered species by most states. Several species of bush clovers, which most of us wouldn't even recognize as a clover, are native and common but of minimal value to wildlife. That's about it for our native clovers.
Most of the clovers we're familiar with can trace their lineage to several species introduced by European settlers as far back as the late 1600s. Since then their genetics have been tweaked and spun to where there are dozens upon dozens of variations encountered today. Agriculture depends on clover for pasture, hay, as a cover crop to prevent weed invasion, a source of nitrogen for soil conditioning, and to control erosion. Clover is even sometimes used for lawns, either in conjunction with grass or on its own.
Alien clovers are one of the few invasive species that have proven beneficial to wildlife habitat in nearly all regards. Just about every insect, reptile, bird and animal that eats vegetation relishes clover. The succulent leaves are higher in protein than many native forbs and the sweet flowers are important for direct food as well as a source of nectar for a variety of insects. The abundant seeds are a favorite of many birds. I learned how prized clover is to some wildlife species when I lived in Washington State. A grouse hunting buddy told me to look for clover patches in openings amongst the vast forests (clovers are sun lovers). "Find the clover and you'll find grouse," he said. I took his advice and sure enough, every clover patch most always had several grouse nearby. Taking that a step further, I noticed deer also congregated near these clover openings. Clover can be especially important to the chicks of grouse, turkey, quail and some songbirds. These chicks require high amounts of protein. While clover provides some protein directly, their primary protein contribution is the insects drawn to the clover.
Many clover species also make excellent cover for a variety of birds and small animals. The plant structure is such that it duplicates a miniature forest, somewhat open below with a protective canopy overhead. Grass, which clover often competes with, often forms a low, dense matt that impedes travel of smaller critters. Dense grass also collects and holds a lot of water which is hard on young creatures during cold spring weather. The more open clover tends to be drier. Additionally, clover is a legume which releases nitrogen into the soil, making the ground more fertile for other plant species which creates diversity, a critical component of good habitat. However, some clover species are quite aggressive and can crowd out other plants. Land managers must use clover carefully.
The history of European clover goes way back. Legend has it that Eve carried a four leaf clover from the Garden of Eden. Celtic people believed clover, they call it shamrock, brings good luck. Irish Christians adopted the standard three leafed clover into religion, claiming one leaf was the Father, another the Son and the third the Holy Spirit. Less devout folks claimed one leaf represented faith, another hope, the third love and, in the event of a rare fourth leaf, it represented luck. Wearing green on Saint Patrick's Day symbolizes the green shamrock leaf. The name clover is an English translation from German and Danish meaning great club, referring to the club carried by Hercules, according to legend a tree trunk with three large roots. Hence the clover leaf symbol on the suit of playing cards called clubs. Bet you never thought about that one. Carpe Diem.