Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Egyptian clover on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Egyptian clover
Berseem Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), also known as Egyptian clover, is a fast-growing annual legume highly valued for its use as forage and green manure. It features bright green trifoliate leaves and small, yellowish-white flowers clustered in dense heads. It's ideal for improving soil fertility in vegetable gardens and allotments, or as a cover crop in agricultural areas.
Native range
Northeast Africa and Southwest Asia
Care tips
It thrives in full sun exposure for optimal growth, though it tolerates some partial shade. Regular watering is required to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. It adapts well to a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained, preferably with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. A common mistake is planting it in very acidic or poorly drained soils, which can inhibit its development.
How to save a dying Egyptian clover
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing, or spotted leaves; stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture, ensure good drainage and adequate sun exposure (6-8h).
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or lack of light. It's an outdoor plant.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't too damaged. Act quickly with environmental changes.