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Problem Solver Animal Marquee

Problem:
Clover (Lawns)

Image of White Dutch Clover

Problem Info

A weed with leaves composed of three round leaflets at the top of a hairy leafstalk, 2 to 4 inches tall, grows in the lawn. White or pink-tinged flowers, 1/2 inch in size, bloom from June to September. Clover is a common perennial weed in lawns throughout the U.S. Although some people like it in a lawn, others consider it messy, or they don''t like the bees attracted to the flowers. The plant spreads and suffocates lawn grasses, resulting in large patches of clover. Because clover produces its own nitrogen, it thrives in lawns that are low in this plant nutrient.

Analysis

Trifolium species Clover is a common perennial weed in lawns throughout the United States. Although some people like it in a lawn, others consider it messy, or they don''t like the bees attracted to the flowers. Clover reproduces by seeds and aboveground rooting stems. The seeds can live in the soil for 20 years or more. The plant, which has a creeping, prostrate habit, suffocates lawn grasses, resulting in large patches of clover. When buying a box of grass seed, be sure to read the label carefully. Clover seeds are sometimes contained in seed mixtures. Because clover produces its own nitrogen, it thrives in lawns that are low in this plant nutrient.

Solution Advice

Treat the lawn with a selective weed killer in the spring and early fall. Repeated treatments are often necessary.

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