What is Purple Clover?
"Purple clover" can refer to several different species of plants, with the two most common being Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) and Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea). While both feature attractive purple-pink flowers, they have distinct characteristics and histories of use. It is crucial to correctly identify the plant before consumption, as not all purple-flowering plants are safe to eat.
Identifying Edible Purple Clover
Correct identification is the most important step before consuming any wild plant. Foragers must learn to distinguish edible species from lookalikes and gather from clean, chemical-free areas.
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Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Often referred to as purple clover, this familiar plant grows in lawns and fields across North America.
- Flowers: Densely packed, globe-shaped clusters of reddish-purple to pink flowers.
- Leaves: Compound leaves with three oval leaflets, often marked with a pale green or whitish chevron (V-shape).
- Growth habit: Grows upright in clumps.
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Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea): A native North American perennial found in prairies.
- Flowers: Thimble-shaped, dense flower heads with deep purple-pink flowers that open from the bottom up.
- Leaves: Slender leaves with five to seven leaflets.
- Growth habit: Stiff, upright stems that can grow quite tall.
Edible Parts of Purple Clover
Many parts of red and purple prairie clover are edible, offering different flavors and uses. However, the flowers are the most commonly consumed part.
- Flowers: The flowers of both red and purple prairie clover can be eaten fresh or dried. They add a sweet, floral flavor to teas, salads, or desserts. For the best flavor, pick them when they are fresh and vibrant.
- Leaves: Young red clover leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Older leaves are tougher and less palatable.
- Roots: Purple Prairie Clover roots are edible raw and have a sweet taste. They have historically been chewed like gum. The roots of other clovers are not typically consumed.
- Seeds: Some clovers have edible seeds, which can be gathered and used after drying and grinding.
Potential Health Benefits
Purple clovers, particularly red clover, contain beneficial plant compounds called isoflavones.
- Menopause support: Isoflavones act as phytoestrogens, mimicking estrogen and potentially reducing symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
- Cardiovascular health: Studies have suggested that red clover may help lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women.
- Nutrient content: Clovers are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Skin and respiratory support: Traditionally, clover has been used as a blood purifier and to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and respiratory issues like coughs.
Critical Foraging Safety Precautions
While some clovers are edible, there are significant risks to be aware of.
- Contamination: Only harvest from areas known to be free of pesticides, herbicides, or animal waste. Clovers growing along roadsides may have absorbed pollutants.
- Allergic reactions: Introduce any new wild food in small quantities to check for sensitivities.
- Medicinal properties: Red clover has mild blood-thinning properties and can interact with blood-thinning medications. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to its phytoestrogenic effects.
- Toxic Lookalikes: Be certain of your identification. The most dangerous lookalike is Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum), which can be toxic to horses and can cause liver damage. While Alsike clover is usually white to pink, color can be deceptive. A definitive ID is necessary. Wood sorrel (Oxalis) has heart-shaped leaflets and yellow flowers, but its leaves are not clover.
- Fresh vs. Dried: Some medicinal effects, like the potential blood-thinning, are amplified if the clover is fermented. It is safer to use fresh or properly dried flowers and leaves.
Culinary Uses for Edible Clover
There are many simple and delicious ways to incorporate purple clover into your diet, focusing on the flowers and young leaves.
- Clover Tea: Brew a delicate, floral tea by steeping fresh or dried flowers in hot water for about 5-10 minutes.
- Floral Garnish: Sprinkle fresh, vibrant purple clover blossoms over salads, cakes, or desserts for a beautiful, edible decoration.
- Infused Honey: Add fresh blossoms to honey to create a floral-infused sweetener for tea or toast.
- Salad Greens: Add young, fresh clover leaves to salads for a boost of nutrients and a mild flavor.
- Cooking Greens: Lightly sauté young clover leaves and use them in dishes as you would spinach.
Purple Clover vs. Other Clovers: A Comparison
| Feature | Red/Purple Clover (Trifolium pratense) | White Clover (Trifolium repens) | Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Color | Reddish-purple to pink | White, sometimes with a pink tinge | White to pinkish |
| Flower Shape | Globe-shaped cluster | Round, compact head | Globe-shaped cluster |
| Leaflet Markings | Often a pale chevron (V-shape) | No distinct markings, or a lighter center | No distinct markings |
| Growth Habit | Upright, clump-forming | Creeping, low-growing | Upright, clump-forming (like Red Clover) |
| Edible Parts | Flowers, young leaves | Flowers, young leaves, roots cooked | Toxic to horses; not recommended for human consumption |
| Primary Use | Herbal medicine, tea, forage | Lawn cover, forage, tea | Pasture, potential toxic contamination |
The Importance of Correct Plant Identification
With various species of clover and many other plants that can resemble them, the risk of misidentification is real. Consuming a toxic lookalike can lead to serious health issues. Even with safe-to-eat species, factors like environmental contamination or individual health conditions can pose risks. Always double-check your identification using a trusted field guide and cross-reference multiple sources. When in doubt, do not eat the plant. Consulting with a local foraging expert can provide an additional layer of safety, especially for beginners.
Conclusion
Yes, certain species of purple clover, such as red clover (Trifolium pratense) and purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea), are edible and have been used culinarily and medicinally for centuries. The flowers and young leaves are the most popular edible parts, often used in teas and as garnishes. However, responsible foraging requires careful identification, awareness of potential risks like interactions with medications, and consideration of environmental factors. By following safe practices, foragers can enjoy the benefits of this plentiful wild plant while minimizing risk.
