Trifolium Incarnatum * French Crimson Clover * Fragrant Flowers * 30 seeds * E-Z Growing *

Trifolium incarnatum, known as Crimson clover or Italian clover, is a species of clover in the family Fabaceae, native to most of Europe. The species name incarnatum means "blood red". This upright annual herb grows to 20-50 cm tall, unbranched or branched only at the base. The leaves are trifoliate with a long petiole, each leaflet hairy, 8-16 mm across, with a truncated or bilobed apex. The flowers are produced throughout the spring and summer, rich red or crimson, congested on an elongated spike inflorescence 3-5 cm tall and 1.5 cm broad; the individual flowers are up to 10-13 mm long and have five petals. Crimson clover's primary advantages are rapid growth during cool weather, shade tolerance and a positive reseeding potential. crimson clover can be planted early in spring or fall for weed control, or overseeded in corn at second cultivation or in soybeans at leaf drop. Because of its shade tolerance and reseeding potential, crimson is also effective as a living cover in orchards.