Trifolium andersonii is a species of clover known by the common names fiveleaf clover and Anderson's clover. It is native to the western United States, particularly the Great Basin and adjacent high mountain ranges, including the Sierra Nevada.
Description Trifolium andersonii is a perennial herb growing in a tuft or low cushion, and lacking a stem. The long-haired or woolly, silvery-gray leaves have 3 to 7 leaflets each up to long. The inflorescence is a head of flowers measuring wide. Each flower has a group of sepals (a calyx) with narrow, densely hairy lobes. Within the calyx is the flower corolla, which is pinkish purple or bicolored.
Taxonomy The species was named after Charles Lewis Anderson by Asa Gray.
Various subtaxa are usually recognized by authors as varieties or subspecies.
Distribution and habitat It grows in forests, mountain meadows, and talus. It has been noted to be the dominant species in dry areas on the alpine grassland steppe in the White Mountains of California.Research Natural Areas: White Mountain Summit
References
External links Jepson Manual Treatment - Trifolium andersonii Photo gallery: Trifolium andersonii ssp. andersonii Photo gallery: Trifolium andersonii ssp. beatleyae