Clover, primarily from the Trifolium genus, is increasingly recognized as a resilient alternative to traditional turfgrasses. This perennial legume is a popular choice for homeowners and land managers seeking a lower-maintenance, environmentally friendly ground cover. Analyzing the plant’s physical structure and life cycle reveals a clear advantage over many conventional grasses in water-stressed conditions, making its drought resistance highly relevant for modern landscaping.
Clover’s Water Needs and Resilience
Clover is considered more drought-tolerant than many common lawn grasses due to its distinct root structure. While most turfgrasses rely on shallow, fibrous root systems, clovers utilize a robust taproot. This deep primary root can penetrate the soil to significant depths, allowing the plant to tap into deeper water reserves unavailable to shallow-rooted grasses.
This access to sub-surface moisture allows clover to remain greener and more vigorous during short dry spells. The plant also possesses a natural protective mechanism against extreme water stress: temporary dormancy. If a severe, prolonged drought occurs, the above-ground growth may brown and appear dead as the plant reduces its metabolic activity to conserve moisture.
This browning is a survival strategy. Once the soil moisture is replenished, the clover rapidly breaks dormancy and regrows, often recovering much faster than drought-stressed turfgrasses.
Drought Performance by Clover Species
The extent of drought resistance varies depending on the specific clover species planted, correlating with the depth of the root system. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) possesses the highest degree of drought resistance among common varieties. This is due to its thick, aggressive taproot, which grows deeper into the soil than other clovers.
White Clover (Trifolium repens), the most common type used in lawns, offers good tolerance but is less resistant than red clover. White clover spreads primarily through stolons, and its root system is shallower than red clover’s, though still deeper than many turfgrasses. While it recovers quickly from drought stress, its leaves may wilt sooner during dry periods.
Micro-clover is a cultivated variety of white clover bred for smaller leaves and a lower growth habit. Since it is a form of white clover, it shares a similar root structure and drought tolerance level. Its dense growth habit helps shade the soil and reduce water evaporation, but it still requires supplemental watering in hot, dry environments to prevent dormancy.
Maintaining Clover Lawns During Dry Spells
Even with clover’s natural resilience, proper maintenance during dry periods ensures its long-term health. When rainfall is scarce, deep and infrequent watering is more effective than light, frequent sprinkling. Applying water deeply encourages the taproot to grow further down, strengthening the plant’s drought-avoidance mechanism.
Mowing practices also play a significant role in conserving moisture during dry spells. Keeping the mowing height higher, generally above two inches, allows the clover foliage to shade the soil surface. This shading helps keep the soil cooler and minimizes the rate of water loss through evaporation.
If the clover begins to show signs of severe stress, such as widespread browning or dormancy, intervene with a deep watering session. Avoiding heavy foot traffic on a stressed or dormant lawn is advisable, as this can damage the plant crowns and hinder recovery when moisture returns.