Micro clover is a specialized variety of white clover that has become popular in modern, sustainable landscaping. This perennial ground cover offers a low-maintenance, environmentally conscious alternative or supplement to traditional turfgrass. It was cultivated to address the drawbacks of common clover, resulting in a plant that integrates seamlessly into a lawn setting. Its popularity stems from its ability to create a resilient, green turf with significantly reduced water and chemical requirements.
Defining Micro Clover and Its Characteristics
Micro clover is a dwarf cultivar of white clover, botanically known as Trifolium repens. This plant has been selectively bred to exhibit distinct physical traits that make it better suited for a manicured lawn appearance. Its leaves are noticeably smaller, often one-third to one-half the size of the leaves on a traditional Dutch white clover plant.
The primary characteristic of micro clover is its low-growing, compact habit, designed to stay below four to six inches when regularly mowed. It spreads efficiently through stolons (above-ground runners that root as they grow), creating a dense, even canopy across the lawn. It is intentionally a “shy bloomer,” producing fewer and less conspicuous white flowers than common clover. Regular mowing is necessary to reinforce this dwarf growth habit; otherwise, the plant may revert to the larger, more upright growth of its white clover parent.
Functional Properties in Turf
The effectiveness of micro clover in a lawn environment is rooted in its ability to naturally improve soil fertility. As a leguminous species, it engages in a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria living in nodules on the plant’s roots. This process, known as nitrogen fixation, converts atmospheric nitrogen gas into a usable organic form that fertilizes both the clover and the surrounding grass.
This continuous, natural supply of nitrogen significantly reduces or eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizer applications, leading to healthier growth in companion grasses. Micro clover also possesses a deeper root system than many common turfgrass varieties, providing enhanced drought tolerance. This deep rooting allows it to maintain a greener color during periods of low rainfall, preventing the browning that affects shallow-rooted grasses. Furthermore, the dense, low-growing mat formed by the stolons is highly effective at suppressing weeds by quickly filling in bare spots and crowding out space and light.
Establishing and Maintaining a Micro Clover Lawn
Establishing a micro clover lawn requires careful preparation and timing for successful integration into existing turf. The best time for seeding is typically in the spring or early fall when soil temperatures are conducive to germination. Before seeding, the existing lawn should be mowed closely, and the soil should be aerated or lightly raked to allow the small seeds direct contact with the soil surface.
Micro clover is frequently overseeded onto an existing lawn, often comprising a low percentage (around two to five percent) of the total seed mix. This low ratio ensures the clover enhances the grass without dominating it. After spreading the seed, a light layer of soil or compost can be applied to aid germination. The area must then be kept consistently moist for the first few weeks.
Long-term care for a micro clover lawn involves reduced maintenance compared to a pure grass lawn. Mowing is recommended at a height of three to four inches, as regular cutting encourages the plant to maintain its dwarf, dense growth habit. While the clover provides nitrogen, occasional fertilization with phosphorus and potassium may be necessary, as the plant does not fix these nutrients. Occasional reseeding may be required over a few years to maintain density, especially in areas subjected to high heat or stress, due to its reduced self-seeding compared to common clover.
Environmental Suitability and Limitations
Micro clover performs best in well-drained soil and thrives across a wide range of temperate climates, generally hardy down to USDA Zone 3. The plant requires significant sunlight to flourish, needing at least four hours of direct sun or six to eight hours of filtered sun daily. This makes it a poor choice for deeply shaded areas where it will struggle to establish and maintain density.
The plant’s tolerance to environmental extremes presents limitations for its use in some regions. While it is more drought-tolerant than many grasses, it is not resistant to extreme heat and may go dormant or die back during prolonged high summer temperatures. Its top growth often dies back in the winter, leaving the lawn sparse until spring regrowth. Micro clover is also highly susceptible to broadleaf herbicides, meaning weed control must be manual or targeted. Finally, it is less suited for areas with constant, heavy foot traffic compared to specialized turfgrass.