Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum
Photo: parent species Trifolium longipes · (c) paulexcoff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by key features: cushion habit, hairy leaf undersides, beaked petals.
Many-pediceled clover is a California native perennial found in the Modoc Plateau in conifer forest to alpine slopes at elevations of 1,400 to 2,700 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces lavender to purple flowers with petals tapered to a distinctive beak. Growing in dense tufts with multiple stems, it forms compact clusters typically 10 to 30 centimeters tall. Its leaves are composed of lanceolate to oblanceolate leaflets that are hairy on the undersides while smooth on the upper surfaces, with each leaflet 1.5 to 4 times longer than its width. The plant's flowers gradually become reflexed, creating an intricate and delicate appearance in alpine and subalpine meadows.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; key features: cushion habit, hairy leaf undersides, beaked petals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Conifer forest to alpine slopes
Elevation: 1400-2700 m
Outside California: to Washington
Bloom period
Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum blooms Jun-Sep.
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 longipes subsp. multipedunculatum native to California?
Yes. Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum bloom?
Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum blooms Jun-Sep.
What plant family does Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum belong to?
Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum is in the Fabaceae family, genus Trifolium.
What habitat does Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum grow in?
Trifolium longipes subsp. multipedunculatum grows in Conifer forest to alpine slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.