Trifolium dedeckerae
Dedecker's clover, Dedecker's Clover
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Trifolium dedeckerae (Dedecker's clover) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by high elevation alpine habitat and cushion growth form.
Dedecker's clover is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada and eastern Sierra Nevada in pinyon woodland to alpine crests at elevations of 2,100 to 3,500 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces pink to pale violet flowers in compact heads 1.5 to 3 centimeters wide, with flowers that quickly bend backwards. Growing in dense clusters with somewhat ascending stems, it forms a low-growing herbaceous mat with mostly basal leaves. Its leaves feature thick, lanceolate leaflets 0.5 to 4 centimeters long with slightly serrated edges, emerging from stipules that clasp the stem. The plant's delicate pink flowers, nestled in tight clusters and quickly reflexing, make it a distinctive alpine and subalpine clover species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 33 sympatric species; high elevation alpine habitat and cushion growth form
Habitat and range
Habitat: Pinyon woodland to alpine crests, rock crevices
Elevation: 2100-3500 m
California counties: Inyo, Tulare, Sierra, Mono
Bloom period
Trifolium dedeckerae blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Medicago: Trifolium flowers persist around fruits; Medicago flowers fall off leaving exposed coiled fruits.; vs Oxalis: Trifolium has pea-shaped flowers; wood-sorrels (Oxalis) have 5-petaled star-shaped flowers and heart-notched leaflets.; vs Melilotus: Trifolium flowers persist enclosing fruits; Melilotus flowers fall off leaving exposed ridged pods.; vs Castilleja: Trifolium has pea flowers and 3 toothed leaflets; paintbrush (Castilleja) has tubular flowers in colorful bracts.; vs Acmispon: Trifolium leaflets have toothed edges; Acmispon leaflets have smooth untoothed margins.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trifolium dedeckerae native to California?
Yes. Trifolium dedeckerae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trifolium dedeckerae bloom?
Trifolium dedeckerae blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Trifolium dedeckerae grow?
Trifolium dedeckerae occurs in Inyo, Tulare, Sierra, Mono, at elevations of 2100-3500 m.
What plant family does Trifolium dedeckerae belong to?
Trifolium dedeckerae is in the Fabaceae family, genus Trifolium.
Is Trifolium dedeckerae rare or endangered?
Trifolium dedeckerae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.