White clover has been a common plant in many Iowa lawns this year. The weather from mid spring to early summer was dry and relatively cool. Many lawns went dormant because of the dry conditions. White clover, however, is more drought tolerant. The white clover prospered and bloomed profusely in early summer.
White clover is native to Europe and Asia, but has become naturalized in much of the United States.
White clover is grown for livestock grazing, soil improvement, and erosion control. In years past, it was often used in lawn seed mixtures. The plant has an upright spreading habit and grows about 2 feet tall. The dark green leaves appear to be composed of 5 leaflets. The compound leaves actually consist of 3 leaflets and 2 broad leaf-like stipules at the base of the leaf stalk.