Trifolium kentuckiense is a critically imperiled species of clover endemic to the U.S. state of Kentucky.[1] It is commonly known as Kentucky clover.[2] It is found only in Franklin and Woodford counties in Kentucky and is considered to be highly endangered.[3]
| Trifolium kentuckiense | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Trifolium |
| Species: | T. kentuckiense
|
| Binomial name | |
| Trifolium kentuckiense Chapel & Vincent
| |
It is similar in appearance to non-native Trifolium pratense, but can be distinguished before blooming by longer petioles and lack of pubescence (hairs) on the upper surface of the leaf.[4] Unlike related species Trifolium reflexum, it grows best in highly basic limestone soils.[5]
References edit
- ^ Weakley, Alan S. (2022). Flora of the Southeastern United States. Chapel Hill NC 27599-3280: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. p. 784.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
- ^ Kubesch, Jonathan O.C. (2019). "Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Trifolium kentuckiense Chapel and Vincent Seeds Kubesch Seed Company Spring Hill, Tennessee". Native Plant Network. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
- ^ Kubesch, Jonathan O.C.; Barbini, Lindsey; Doyle, Connor; Fike, John (12 May 2021). "A Seedling Key for Kentucky Clover (Trifolium kentuckiense)". Kentucky Native Plant Society.
- ^ Koenig, Nicholas; Scholer, Megan; Littlefield, Tara; Ruhfel, Brad (2021). "Phylogenetic placement of Trifolium kentuckiense (Fabaceae), a new member of the native eastern North American clover clade". Castanea. 86 (2).