White Clover - Trifolium repens

Appearance:

Characterized by its 3-part leaves and white, pink tinged flowers. It is a low growing weed with the flowers usually rising above the leaves. See botanical illustration.

Growth:

Perennial weed that can thrive in a variety of conditions with low nitrogen levels. Especially aggressive in high phosphorus soils.

Physical Control:

Not feasible to remove by hand. Best chance of physically reducing clover populations is to encourage turf growth and maintain adequate nutrient levels.

Chemical Control:

Spot treat with post-emergent hebicide containing either triclopyr or MCPP, 2,4-D and dicamba.

Organic Alternative:

Rather than fight clover, accept it. Prior to WWII clover used to be a part of the American lawn, even sold in seed mixes with lawn grass. It is a legume, fixing it's own nitrogen and enriching the soil.