Subterranean Clover (Trifolium subterraneum) is in the Legumes family (Fabaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,203 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Nationally it blooms mainly from March to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Subterranean Clover: observations by month (U.S.)
About Subterranean Clover
Trifolium subterraneum, the subterranean clover (often shortened to sub clover), is a species of clover native to northwestern Europe, from Ireland east to Belgium. The plant's name comes from its underground seed development (geocarpy), a characteristic not possessed by other clovers.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Subterranean Clover by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,577 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Oregon | 435 | April | Apr–May |
| Washington | 180 | May | Apr–May |
| New Jersey | 9 | April | Apr–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (Legumes)
White Clover
Red Clover
Texas bluebonnet
Bird's-Foot Trefoil
Rose Clover
Tomcat Clover
American hog-peanut
Purple Crownvetch
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Subterranean Clover?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to May.
Where is Subterranean Clover most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon, Washington.