White Clover is a common garden and lawn “weed.” However, it is edible and makes a tasty, nutricious, and medicinal tea!
Identification:
Leaves: 3 elliptical leaflets together on one stalk; occationally a 4 leaf clover can be found
Flowers: Bloom from March October. Flowers are white and turn brown over time. They are 8 mm to 10 mm long.
Height: Can grow to between 4 inches to up to 12 inches tall.
Habitat: This plant can grow in meadows, lawns, yards, paths, roadsides, and even along coastal areas.
Geographic Range: Canada, U.S, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Edible Parts: All aerial parts, including the seeds, are edible. Start with a small quantity since it may cause digestive upset or gas.
Harvesting:
Since they are frequently in yards, please make sure the location you are harvesting from has not been sprayed by pesticides. Lawn pesticides can be especially harmful to human health.
Edible Uses:
White clover is rich in vitamins and minerals. Consuming it as a tea will unlock these benefits and can be added to your diet as a health tonic or for detoxifying.
Medicinal Uses
White clover is anti-inflammatory and can boost the immune system. It can be consumed safely throughout the year or to speed up recovery from a cough or cold. It’s commonly used for its cleansing and ability to purify the blood.
White Clover Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 5 cup water
- 1 cup white clover blossoms
- 1 cup yellow wood sorrel optional, for added flavor
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil. Wash clover blossoms and yellow wood sorrel and add to a pot or pitcher.
- Pour boiling water over the flowers and yellow wood sorrel plant. Let steep for 30 minutes.
- Remove plant parts and enjoy!
