How much sun does Buffalo Clover need?

Buffalo Clover grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Buffalo Clover bloom?

Buffalo Clover blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Buffalo Clover native?

Buffalo Clover (Trifolium reflexum) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Buffalo Clover attract?

Buffalo Clover draws bees and butterflies.

Is Buffalo Clover HOA-friendly?

Buffalo Clover takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Buffalo Clover

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Trifolium reflexum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Buffalo Clover (Trifolium reflexum) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 21 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Buffalo Clover (Trifolium reflexum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 21 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain

Buffalo clover is a native perennial that forms compact clumps with distinctive three-leaflet foliage. It produces small white to pink flower clusters in spring and early summer, creating a neat groundcover appearance.

Growing Buffalo Clover

Grow Buffalo Clover in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Buffalo Clover takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Clover species often perceived as weedy by HOAs
May spread beyond intended areas
Can look sparse or patchy during establishment

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its April through June bloom period. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil naturally.

Common questions

How much sun does Buffalo Clover need?: Buffalo Clover grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Buffalo Clover bloom?: Buffalo Clover blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Buffalo Clover native?: Buffalo Clover (Trifolium reflexum) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Buffalo Clover attract?: Buffalo Clover draws bees and butterflies.
Is Buffalo Clover HOA-friendly?: Buffalo Clover takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Buffalo Clover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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