Tomcat Clover
Trifolium willdenovii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Trifolium willdenovii is an annual forb that blooms from March through June in full sun with low water needs, often found on open grassy slopes and fields in the western United States.
Tomcat Clover (Trifolium willdenovii) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, OR and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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Tomcat clover is a low-growing annual wildflower with distinctive purple-pink flower heads. It blooms from early spring through early summer, creating a charming seasonal display. This clover thrives in full sun with low water requirements once established.
Growing Tomcat Clover
Grow Tomcat Clover in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tomcat Clover is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Annual nature means seasonal dieback
- May spread unpredictably in some landscapes
- Can look somewhat informal/meadow-like
Wildlife value
Tomcat clover attracts various bee species including native bumblebees and honeybees. Butterflies also visit the flowers for nectar.
Common questions
- When does Tomcat clover bloom?
- Trifolium willdenovii typically flowers from March through June, producing pink to purple blooms with pale tips on low, branching stems.
- What pollinators visit Tomcat clover?
- Bees and butterflies are the main pollinators observed visiting Trifolium willdenovii flowers during its spring bloom period.
- What growing conditions does Tomcat clover prefer?
- It grows best in full sun with low water once established, and does well in open grassland and dry, well-drained soils.
- Is Tomcat clover an annual or perennial plant?
- Trifolium willdenovii is an annual forb, completing its growth cycle from germination to seed set within a single growing season.
- Is Tomcat Clover toxic to dogs?
- Tomcat Clover is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Tomcat Clover toxic to cats?
- Tomcat Clover is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Tomcat Clover HOA-friendly?
- Tomcat Clover is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Tomcat Clover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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