Trifolium subterraneum, commonly known as subterranean clover, is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region, including Europe, Southwest Asia, Northwest Africa, and Macaronesia. It is adapted to a variety of habitats, including grasslands, open woodlands, and fields. This plant typically grows to a height of 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) and has a sprawling habit. Subterranean clover is notable for its trifoliate leaves and small, white to pinkish flowers that appear in spring. Its unique reproductive strategy, geocarpy, involves burying its seeds underground, which protects them from predation and aids in soil stabilization.

Subterranean clover is valued for its ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and its resilience in poor-quality soils, making it an excellent cover crop and green manure. It is widely cultivated for animal fodder, particularly in regions like Australia, California, and Texas. While it has low-nectar flowers that are less attractive to bees, it can still support a range of beneficial insects. Care should be taken when planting subterranean clover, as it can become invasive outside its native range. It prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of soil types, though it thrives in well-drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0