About Trifolium stoloniferum Muhl.
Trifolium stoloniferum Muhl., commonly known as running buffalo clover, has erect, unbranched flowering stems that typically grow 10–50 centimetres (4–20 inches) tall. The tip of each flowering stem is capped by a round flower head, which is subtended by two leaves. These apical leaves are usually larger than the leaves found on non-flowering stems. The flower heads are white, sometimes with a purple tinge, and measure 2–2.5 cm in diameter. Like other clovers, running buffalo clover has leaves split into three leaflets. It grows long creeping runners (stolons) from its base that travel along the ground and take root. Both its stems and leaves are hairless. It flowers from mid-May to June, and produces fruit in July.
Its original habitat is thought to have been open areas with rich soils situated between forests and prairies. Grazing bison likely maintained these open areas as the animals migrated along established trails. Currently, running buffalo clover populations exist in West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Missouri. Historical records also note its presence in Illinois, Kansas, and Arkansas. The remaining populations of running buffalo clover are generally small and scattered across the landscape. It is most often found again in lightly shaded woodlands alongside streams, but some populations have also been discovered in lawns of old home sites and cemeteries.
