Clover in lawns; native option? - Ask Extension
I read the web article about "micro clover and lawns" by Christa Carignan, which cites the use of Dutch white clover and micro clover, both non-nativ...
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Clover in lawns; native option? #883724
Asked September 02, 2024, 9:55 AM EDT
I read the web article about "micro clover and lawns" by Christa Carignan, which cites the use of Dutch white clover and micro clover, both non-native species. Aren't we supposed to be using native species? Or Is there no such thing as a Mid-Atlantic clover species? Ideally that would be more drought tolerant, given the expectations of higher heat. I love the idea of a clover lawn, but I don't want to use a plant from Asia or Europe. Does that make sense, or is it still better than grass?
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Thank you for reaching out with your question. There aren't any Maryland native clover species that would be suitable for growing in a lawn. (Technically, there are two native clover species, but they are rare.) The reason why clover is recommended for use in lawns is for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which supports the growth of the turfgrass and reduces the need for added nitrogen fertilizer. The clover flowers provide some support for generalist bees (ones that don't need a specific type of host plant for their lifecycle), and the low-growing stature of micro-clover, in particular, has made it more acceptable as part of a lawn mix.
That said, for those who want to grow plants that support our native fauna, we recommend reducing the size of a lawn and planting native plants instead. Even a small garden with native plants can provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for insects, birds, and other animals.
When it comes to clover in lawns, the appeal for many is that they can still maintain the space as a lawn (tidied and low-growing with regular mowing). For those who are learning about the decline of pollinators, adding clover to a lawn is like a
next step. It at least provides some floral resources that some pollinators can use. But a more advanced step would be to lessen some of the lawn and devote an area specifically to native plants (as well as leaving plant stems, leaves - unmowed - for habitat spaces). So, a clover/turf mix is at least a little better than a monoculture of turfgrass, but making a space for some native plants would be even better for biodiversity.
We do not have any options for native plants that would mix in with turfgrass and the maintenance it requires. There are some native groundcover plants that could work as lawn alternatives in a garden space (but they are mostly taller than the 3-4 inch tall turfgrass).
I hope this helps. Feel free to reach back if you have any additional questions.
Christa
That said, for those who want to grow plants that support our native fauna, we recommend reducing the size of a lawn and planting native plants instead. Even a small garden with native plants can provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for insects, birds, and other animals.
When it comes to clover in lawns, the appeal for many is that they can still maintain the space as a lawn (tidied and low-growing with regular mowing). For those who are learning about the decline of pollinators, adding clover to a lawn is like a
next step. It at least provides some floral resources that some pollinators can use. But a more advanced step would be to lessen some of the lawn and devote an area specifically to native plants (as well as leaving plant stems, leaves - unmowed - for habitat spaces). So, a clover/turf mix is at least a little better than a monoculture of turfgrass, but making a space for some native plants would be even better for biodiversity.
We do not have any options for native plants that would mix in with turfgrass and the maintenance it requires. There are some native groundcover plants that could work as lawn alternatives in a garden space (but they are mostly taller than the 3-4 inch tall turfgrass).
I hope this helps. Feel free to reach back if you have any additional questions.
Christa
