White Clover
Perennial & invasive weed
White clover is a low, creeping perennial often seen in lawns, borders and allotment paths. Its white flower heads can be welcome to pollinators, and many gardeners tolerate a little in grass. Where a very even lawn or clear cultivated bed is wanted, however, its rooting stems allow it to spread quickly and persist.
How to identify it
White clover has three rounded leaflets, usually marked with a pale crescent, carried on slender stalks. Low stems creep across the surface and root at intervals, forming mats 5-20 cm high. Rounded white flower heads, often tinged pink as they age, appear from late spring into autumn. Unlike many lawn weeds, it fixes nitrogen through associations at its roots. Rooted stem sections readily become independent plants when disturbed.
Where it grows
It is widespread in UK lawns, meadows, beds, paths and allotments, especially where soil is low in nitrogen or grass is thin. Growth begins in spring and continues through summer, with flowers often lasting well into autumn. It tolerates mowing and spreads into bare patches, dry banks and compacted lawn edges.
Why it is a problem
In a formal lawn, white clover disrupts an even grassy surface and can spread into borders through its rooting stems. In vegetable beds it forms a low mat that competes with young plants and complicates hand cultivation. Its flowers attract pollinators, so tolerance may be sensible where a wildlife-friendly lawn is preferred.
How to control it
Rake through affected lawn patches to lift creeping stems, then dig out rooted sections and the small crowns beneath them. In beds, hand-weed carefully, following each stem to its rooted nodes so fragments are not left to re-establish. Hoe tiny seedlings in dry weather before they spread, and mulch bare borders after clearing. Encourage denser grass by repairing thin areas and mowing appropriately. Repeat through the season, as surviving runners can quickly reconnect.
Commonly confused with
White clover can be confused with lesser trefoil, black medick or wood sorrel. White clover has rounded leaflets, pale markings and white globe-like flowers. Lesser trefoil and black medick have yellow flowers, while wood sorrel has heart-shaped leaflets and usually yellow, white or pink flowers.
White Clover: frequently asked questions
How do I identify white clover?
White clover has three rounded leaflets, usually marked with a pale crescent, carried on slender stalks.
How do I get rid of white clover?
Rake through affected lawn patches to lift creeping stems, then dig out rooted sections and the small crowns beneath them.
Where does white clover grow?
It is widespread in UK lawns, meadows, beds, paths and allotments, especially where soil is low in nitrogen or grass is thin.
General guidance for UK gardens and allotments, focused on prevention and non-chemical control. For a confirmed identification, the RHS or a local garden centre can help. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.