Dutch Clover is the most common clover form seen in the United States, but there are three main white clover varieties you may run into: large white clover (commonly referred to as Ladino clover, Patriot Clover, or Regal Clover), medium white clover (commonly referred to as Durana Clover, or Osceola Clover), and low growing white clover (commonly referred to as Dutch Clover).

1. Large White Clover & Medium White Clover

Large White Clover and Medium White Clover species aren’t prolific reseeders, and can actually be used to yield crops for cattle.

2. Low Growing White Clover

Low growing White Clover, or Dutch Clover, is viewed as a noxious weed and often found growing along roadsides, cracks between patio pavers, in pastures, and in lawns.

3. Dutch White Clover Lawn Cover

Some homeowners use Dutch Clover as a lawn cover instead of grass. Its fibrous root systems and ability to handle a lot of foot traffic and mowing make it somewhat ideal. There are some big downsides to consider, however, before opting for a weed-like clover lawn over grass. Read on before you decide to plant white clover seed.

1. Clover lawns bring in bees. If you plan to walk barefoot outside, understand that clover’s flowers attract many insects that will be directly under foot – including the stinging kind. A constant mowing cycle will need to be maintained so no clover flowers develop. While bees are beneficial, many people experience severe allergic reactions when stung and a clover yard may not be enjoyed by guests.
2. Your neighbors might not appreciate it. In addition to concerns about the esthetics of your clover yard, your neighbors may worry about your clover plants spreading. Known for its ability to grow across great distances, it’s no wonder why neighbors would feel cautious.
3. It will be difficult to change. Dutch white clover is capable of reproducing via seed and roots. This means that even if you decide a clover lawn isn’t for you, you’ll have a heck of a time keeping it gone for good. Even small pieces of root systems have the ability to regrow into new plants that will plague your new lawn for ages.
4. Many homeowners and home buyers prefer yards with grass. This means that selling your home could prove to be difficult.

Many wonder how to identify white clover. It’s actually pretty simple! Once you know what to look for, you’ll be spotting white clover weeds everywhere, though, hopefully not in your yard.

Stems and Leaves

White Clover stems, like all trifolium, grow leaves in threes (four, if you’re lucky!). The small leaves often showcase light green, half halos toward the inner corners that form a gentle inner-ring around the stem. They’re gently serrated and tear-drop shaped, but you may also notice a slight dip along the outer edge that makes them loosely resemble a heart.

White Flowers

Little, white flowers grow from stalks low to the ground and pop up frequently among the foliage. Rounded oblongs in shape, their small petals point to the sky and turn a chartreuse toward the center where they meet.

If you’re still unsure, look for stolons growing from plant to plant. As mentioned earlier, stolons are horizontal stems that clover plants grow to search for new places to root. Stolons grow small nodes that anchor to the soil and put down roots, producing a new clover plant. The cycle of stolon, root, and growth continues and, after a short time, one plant can become hundreds.

The best way to prevent Dutch White Clover from debuting in your turf is to keep your lawn as healthy as possible. Lush lawns leave little room for noxious weeds to sprout and deter growth when they do.

A regular, professional lawn maintenance program is your best for total weed control. Proper PH soil levels, slow release fertilizers rich in nitrates, aeration, overseeding, watering schedules, mowing height, and removal of the thatch layer all work together to promote grass growth and health.

You may be wondering how to control Dutch White Clover once it’s already begun to grow. If you’ve already noticed a small clover sprout growing in your lawn, it’s often quite possible to hand pull without breaking off deeper root systems. Gently give the base a tug and see if it releases. Do not use a spade or shovel to dig out the weed as some of the root system may get cut and grow back.

White Clover herbicide and white clover weed killer options exist, but can prove mediocre, at best, and destroy your lawn as well, at worst. If the clover is anchored down well, it’s best to leave the work to lawn care professionals. The best herbicide for clover is one that comes with Senske’s tried and true weed control methods and lawn care maintenance.