Trifolium incarnatum_Crimson Clover vs. Oxalis stricta

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Soulsower Hayward, CA Feb 04, 2010

I was considering planting some Trifolium incarnatum_Crimson Clover, as I was given some seed for it. Considering it is a "clover", which in my opinion is no different than other clover, oxalis, etc... I have my concerns about it being invasive. I battle with Oxalis stricta every year in a few sections of my garden (don't we all : ), and I'm concerned that this will eventually grow together with that, only compounding my problem.

If I'm more than likely going to end up ripping it out with the oxalis, is it worth the trouble to start, or does this Crinson clover not take off like the others?

The description of Trifolium incarnatum_Crimson Clover in the Plant database only has 3 reviews, none of which state an "invasive" nature, but again isn't a clover always a clover?

Thanks for any input you can offer,
Ss

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Feb 05, 2010

There are some well behaved species of Oxalis, so you can't even assume that things in the same genus are going to have the same invasive potential. Trifolium is a completely different plant (different genus and even a different plant family), so you definitely can't assume that because one is invasive the other would be.

I've never grown this one so I couldn't tell you how it will behave--hopefully someone else from this area will be along to share some experience with you (many things are problems in some areas of the country and not others, so you're best off getting an opinion from someone who lives in this area of the country). Otherwise you might try asking at a local nursery and see if they know how fast it would spread.

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willmetge Spokane, WA(Zone 5b) Mar 05, 2010

I use Trifollium 'Dark Dancer'. It is very fast spreading, but I have not had it reseed, or even bloom much for that matter. That being said, I might avoid using it where it can spread endlessly, but for a dense weed-smothering dark-burgandy ground cover that needs very little attention, there is nothing better.

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