What is causing this flower head to look like this? - Ask Extension
I found a patch of clover near OSU Corvallis campus that has really elongated flower heads. It appears to be just a singular plant displaying like thi...
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What is causing this flower head to look like this? #880585
Asked August 07, 2024, 3:47 PM EDT
I found a patch of clover near OSU Corvallis campus that has really elongated flower heads. It appears to be just a singular plant displaying like this with "normal" white clover and other vegetation around it. (see image for size differential between flower heads for context) Is it some sort of genetic mutation? If so, any guesses on what type? I can see online that there are species cultivated to have longer flower heads, but they appear to be selected for decorative appeal.
Thanks!
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
I don't know exactly why this clover is behaving this way, but it is interesting. Clover flowers open from the bottom up, so for some reason this one has just continued to grow and produce more flowers at the tip. It is quite possibly a natural mutation, if that is the only one you see around. It is also possible that it is an example of fasciation https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/fascinating-fasciation/. This is caused by an insect, bacteria, or any of several other things, and usually results in a flattened, elongated stem with far more flowers than usual. This clover doesn't appear flattened or distorted, but that is still a possibility.
If you like it, try digging a piece of that plant up and planting it elsewhere, to see if the behavior continues next year.
If you like it, try digging a piece of that plant up and planting it elsewhere, to see if the behavior continues next year.