Groundcover layer · Nitrogen-fixing groundcover legume
White clover
Trifolium repens
A classic nitrogen-fixing living mulch for temperate orchard floors. Fixes nitrogen, feeds bees and softens bare soil between trees.
Also known as: White clover
Layer
Groundcover layer
Climate
Warm temperate, Temperate, Cool temperate
Sun
Full sun to light shade.
Water
Prefers even moisture; survives short dry spells.
Soil
Adaptable; performs best on fertile soils not extremely acidic.
Size
0.1–0.3 m H · Spreading mats W
Growth
Fast
Frost
Frost hardy.
Edible uses
Not primarily grown for direct human food on this site’s guidance.
Harvest window
Flowering spring–autumn; mow or cut as living mulch
Ecological functions
Nitrogen fixation · Living mulch · Bee forage · Soil cover
Wildlife value
Major bee forage
Human uses
Orchard floor · Green paths · Bee pasture
Propagation
Seed.
Maintenance
Mow or cut to manage height; avoid herbicides that kill legumes.
NZ growing notes
Nationwide orchard floor plant. Keep clear rings at tree trunks to reduce collar moisture problems.
In the food forest
White clover is the default nitrogen-fixing groundcover under temperate fruit. It feeds bees and soils while paths stay walkable if mown.
Establishment
Broadcast seed onto prepared soil in autumn or spring. Keep moist until established. Maintain trunk collars free of dense mats against bark.
NZ honesty
Nationwide and honest. It is a living mulch, not a vegetable crop.
Suitable NZ regions
References
- NZ pasture and orchard floor practice — Standard nitrogen-fixing living mulch.