''Trifolium reflexum'', the Buffalo Clover, is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
clover
Clover or trefoil are common names for plants of the genus ''Trifolium'' (from Latin ''tres'' 'three' + ''folium'' 'leaf'), consisting of about 300 species of flowering plants in the legume or pea family Fabaceae originating in Europe. The genus ...
native to the
Eastern United States
The Eastern United States, commonly referred to as the American East, Eastern America, or simply the East, is the region of the United States to the east of the Mississippi River. In some cases the term may refer to a smaller area or the East C ...
. It is found in areas of natural openings including woodlands, glades, and prairies, often in acidic areas. It is an annual or biennial that produces white to dark pink flowers in the late spring.
Like many native clovers of the Eastern United States, ''Trifolium reflexums populations have declined considerably in the past 200 years. For this species, fire suppression is indicated as a significant cause for decline.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
/ref>
Gallery
File:T. reflexum macro.jpg, Trifolium reflexum - Close-up of flowers
File:T. reflexum top.jpg, Top of flower
File:T. reflexum leaf.jpg, Adaxial side of leaf, showing chevrons and slight pubescence
File:T. reflexum bract.jpg, Pubescent stem, stipule, and petioles
References
reflexum
Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus
{{Trifolieae-stub