RED CLOVER
(Trifolium pratense)
trefoil, purple clover

Description: A perennial, with several stems, 1-2 ft. tall, arising from one root, slightly hairy. Leaves are ternate, leaflets ovate, entire, nearly smooth, ending in a long point often lighter colored in the center. Flowers are red to purple, fragrant, in dense, terminal ovoid or globular heads. Native of Europe and common in cultivation across the U.S., wild in mountain meadows, disturbed areas and along stream banks, light sandy soil.

Edible, Medicinal: Indians of California, Arizona and elsewhere have eaten it and other species, raw or as a salad, but hard to digest. Altertative, antispasmodic. The whole plant is used for treatment of cancer, combined with other herbs, aids in whooping cough, bronchial troubles, chronic rheumatism, skin diseases, and syphilis. Poultices for local application. A tea from the flower (1 tsp. to 1 cup water, steeped) drunk daily. A decoction of the roots used for a blood purifier. A recent medical report from the Mayo Clinic, states that it contains an effective anticoagulant that may be helpful in treating coronary thrombosis.

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