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Running buffalo clover
Trifolium stoloniferum
Family: Fabaceae
Description: Running buffalo clover is a glabrous perennial that forms long stolons that root at the nodes. The plant's erect, flowering stems, typically 2-5 inches (7 to 14 centimeters) tall, with two leaves near the summit, are topped by a round flower head. Running buffalo clover flowers from mid-May to June and fruits in July.
| Status: |
Federally Listed Endangered (June 5, 1987) Global Rank: G3 State Rank: SH |
Distribution: Historically, running buffalo clover occurred in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and West Virginia. Until the rediscovery of two small populations of the species in West Virginia in 1985, running buffalo clover was believed to be extinct. Intensive searches for remnant populations throughout most of the historic range have revealed several additional sites in Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio. Running buffalo clover has yet to be rediscovered in Arkansas. The only Arkansas records for this species come from Independence (1896) and Pulaski (1881) Counties.
Habitat: Running buffalo clover has been found in open woodlands, grasslands, stream-banks, and floodplains. Remnant populations occur in orchards, cemeteries, pastures, woodlots, lawns, and along old roads. The original habitat for the species is thought to have been areas of rich soils in the ecotone between open forest and prairie. These areas are believed to have been maintained through disturbance by buffalo. Most of the recently discovered populations are in areas receiving at least some disturbance such as that caused by grazing and mowing.
Conservation Status: The reasons for the decline of this species may be due to historic changes in land management. Running buffalo clover's relationship with buffalo is thought to have depended on the animal's habit of periodically disturbing areas and creating open habitat, as well as dispersing seeds. As buffalo were eliminated from much of the Midwest, their role in maintaining vital habitat disappeared. Fortunately, land management practices that maintain a somewhat open and disturbed habitat may prove beneficial for the recovery of this species.
Because running buffalo clover occurs in two fairly distinct habitat types (shaded lawn and open woodland), management recommendations are required for both habitats. Lawn habitats include cemeteries, parks, and old home sites. Although these sites are frequently mowed, the clover appears to thrive under these conditions if seasonal restrictions are followed. Woodland sites occur in mesic forests, often associated with streams and trails, where the clover is exposed to indirect sunlight. Management for invasive plant species is critical in both lawn and woodland sites.
