Microclover is a dwarf cultivar of white clover (Trifolium repens) that is a popular alternative to traditional turfgrass. Homeowners are drawn to it because it offers environmental benefits, such as a reduced need for synthetic fertilizers. This is possible because the plant partners with Rhizobium bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen directly into the soil, fertilizing itself and any companion grasses. Microclover maintains a deep green color and is resilient in dry conditions, making it a lower-maintenance, drought-tolerant option for lawns. Its ability to spread rapidly and create a dense cover, however, leads many to question if this beneficial plant is too aggressive for their landscape.
Understanding How Microclover Spreads
Microclover achieves its dense, turf-like appearance through a physical growth mechanism involving structures called stolons. Stolons are horizontal, above-ground stems, or runners, that grow laterally along the soil surface. New roots and shoots develop at the nodes along these stolons, allowing the plant to colonize the surrounding area rapidly.
This mechanism creates a dense, low-growing canopy that is highly effective at suppressing weeds. Unlike traditional white clover, which tends to grow in noticeable clumps, microclover has been bred to produce smaller leaves and a more uniform, lower growth habit. The combination of small leaves and extensive stolon networks allows it to blend seamlessly with turfgrass, resulting in a lush, evenly dispersed ground cover. This spreading habit helps the plant recover quickly from stress, but it is also the source of concern when it creeps into unwanted areas like flower beds or pathways.
Clarifying the Difference Between Aggressive and Invasive
The concern over microclover’s spreading ability often leads to the question of whether it is an “invasive” species. A plant is classified as ecologically invasive when it is non-native to an ecosystem and its introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm. These species are regulated by government agencies because they disrupt natural habitats and displace native flora, a classification that does not apply to microclover.
Microclover is a cultivar of white clover (Trifolium repens), which is considered an “aggressive” plant in a garden setting, meaning it spreads quickly and outcompetes other plants in a controlled landscape. Its tendency to rapidly colonize bare soil and creep into adjoining garden beds is a sign of its high vigor. This aggression is problematic for delicate perennials or manicured borders where the plant can overwhelm less vigorous species, but it does not pose the broad ecological threat of a truly invasive species.
Practical Strategies for Containment and Removal
Successfully managing microclover’s aggressive spread requires physical containment and regular maintenance. To prevent it from creeping into garden beds, installing a solid physical barrier is effective, such as plastic or metal edging sunk several inches into the soil. A simple buffer zone of mulch or a hardscape path can also create a gap that is easier to monitor and maintain.
Mowing directly influences microclover’s growth structure and is a key containment strategy. Frequent, short mowing encourages the plant to maintain its miniature, dense habit by reducing leaf size and promoting lateral stolon growth. If the goal is to keep the microclover mixed with grass, a mowing height of at least two inches is recommended to maintain a healthy balance.
If removal is necessary, physical methods are often the most straightforward. Solarization is a non-chemical method where the area is covered with clear plastic sheeting during the hottest part of the year, baking the plants and seeds beneath the plastic. For smaller sections, manual removal with hand tools or rototilling can effectively uproot the stolon network, though diligence is required to ensure no small fragments remain to regrow. When considering chemical options, note that microclover tolerates the broadleaf herbicide 2,4-D, which is often used to control weeds in traditional grass lawns. Applying general broadleaf herbicides that target clover will kill the microclover, requiring careful spot treatment to avoid damaging surrounding plants.