Trifolium Longipes, Long-Stalked Clover

Trifolium longipes is a widespread species across much the West, absent only from desert regions and most of Nevada; it inhabits a range of habitats and elevations so is variable in characteristics, and 11 subspecies are recognized, mostly occupying different regions; distinguishing characteristics include petal color, petal shape, calyx hairiness and leaflet shape (width:length ratio).

The trifoliate leaflets have a prominent pattern of pinnate veins, and a sparse strigose hair covering underneath; upper surfaces are hairless. Leaves grow at the base and (usually) along the stem, though some varieties are stemless. The spherical inflorescence is attached by a hairy, relatively long peduncle, up to 3 inches, and it contains between five and 16 flowers, attached by very short pedicels. Calyces are deeply divided into narrow, linear, bristle-like lobes, (usually) strigose hairy. Corollas are about twice as long as the calyces (up to 0.6 inches) and are white to pink/purple in color, withering to brown.