Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum
Photo: parent species Trifolium longipes · (c) paulexcoff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by key features: non-cespitose habit, quickly reflexed flowers, obtuse white petals.
Oregon long-stalked clover is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and northern Coast Ranges in forested slopes, gravelly meadows, and serpentine areas at elevations of 1,200 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces predominantly white flowers in clusters with petals that are short-tapered and quickly become reflexed. Growing with slender stems that are not densely clustered, it reaches moderate heights typical of meadow clovers. Its leaves feature distinctive leaflets that are two to five times longer than they are wide, creating a delicate, elongated appearance. The plant's calyx lobes are notably longer than the calyx tube, adding to its distinctive structural characteristics.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 44 sympatric species; key features: non-cespitose habit, quickly reflexed flowers, obtuse white petals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Forested slopes, gravelly meadows, serpentine
Elevation: 1200-1800 m
California counties: Trinity, Siskiyou, Humboldt
Outside California: Oregon
Bloom period
Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum blooms Jun-Aug.
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. oreganum native to California?
Yes. Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum bloom?
Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum grow?
Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum occurs in Trinity, Siskiyou, Humboldt, at elevations of 1200-1800 m.
What plant family does Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum belong to?
Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum is in the Fabaceae family, genus Trifolium.
What habitat does Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum grow in?
Trifolium longipes subsp. oreganum grows in Forested slopes, gravelly meadows, serpentine.
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.