Trifolium dichotomum
Branched indian clover
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Trifolium dichotomum (Branched indian clover) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by hairy habit and large bicolor flowers diagnostic.
Branched indian clover is a California native annual herb found in northwestern California, central Sierra Nevada, Great Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, and southern Coast Ranges in coastal dunes, open slopes, meadows, oak woodlands, and disturbed areas at elevations below 1,300 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces dark purple flowers with white tips, creating delicate 7 to 12 millimeters long blossoms that extend beyond the pale green calyx. Growing with erect stems that are distinctly hairy, the clover reaches a moderate height with an upright, branching structure. Its leaves are trifoliate, typical of the clover genus, with each leaflet contributing to the plant's delicate and intricate appearance. Each plant produces a single seed, highlighting its reproductive strategy in varied California landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 63 sympatric species; hairy habit and large bicolor flowers diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal dunes, open slopes, meadows, oak woodland, disturbed areas
Elevation: < 1300 m
California counties: Butte, Lake, San Benito, Napa, Mendocino, Los Angeles, Riverside, Santa Clara, Marin, Contra Costa, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, Siskiyou, Humboldt, San Mateo, Alameda, Monterey, San Joaquin, Colusa, Tehama, Trinity, Sierra, Ventura, Santa Cruz, Yolo, Merced, Fresno, San Diego
Outside California: to Washington
Bloom period
Trifolium dichotomum blooms Apr-Jun.
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 dichotomum native to California?
Yes. Trifolium dichotomum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trifolium dichotomum bloom?
Trifolium dichotomum blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Trifolium dichotomum grow?
Trifolium dichotomum occurs in Butte, Lake, San Benito, Napa, Mendocino, Los Angeles, Riverside, Santa Clara and other counties, at elevations of < 1300 m.
What plant family does Trifolium dichotomum belong to?
Trifolium dichotomum is in the Fabaceae family, genus Trifolium.
What habitat does Trifolium dichotomum grow in?
Trifolium dichotomum grows in Coastal dunes, open slopes, meadows, oak woodland, disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.