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Plant Profile

Leiberg's Clover (Trifolium leibergii)

Trifolium leibergii plants grow in a straight line because their roots extend down into cracks in the underlying rock. Photo Credit: Ed Florance

Global Rank: G3 - Vulnerable
Legal Status: N/A
Family: Fabaceae
State: NV, OR
Nature Serve ID: 139752
Lifeform: Forb/herb
Date Inducted in National Collection: 03/05/1993

Description:

In Oregon, Trifolium leibergii is restricted to an area that ranges 2 miles on either side of the Middle Fork of the Malheur River and continues for approximately 10 miles. Here, it grows on a distinct habitat characterized by a thin, gravelly soil layer consisting of decomposing (broken-down) volcanic ash "tuff." Underneath the thin layer of soil is the solid "tuff," which has deep cracks running through it. The taproot of Trifolium leibergii grows down into the cracks, causing neighboring plants to grow in a straight line (Nora Taylor, pers. comm.). This attractive clover is easily recognized by its three hairy "oak-leaf" shaped leaflets. When the plant first emerges in early spring, the leaves are a beautiful, succulent green. As the plant ages, the leaves fade to gray (and sometimes purple!). The small flowers are clustered into large heads, which start a creamy white and fade to a pretty pink as they age. The plant produces tiny pods with one or two seeds each (Nora Taylor, pers. comm.).

Where is Leiberg's Clover (Trifolium leibergii) located in the wild?

Habitat:

Trifolium leibergii grows on steep slopes comprised of dry, shallow soil derived from decomposing volcanic """"tuff."""" Associated species are sparse, but most commonly include Artemisia arbuscula.

Distribution:

OR, NVNV: Elko CountyOR: Owyhee Uplands (Harney Co.)

States & Provinces:

Leiberg's Clover can be found in Nevada, Oregon

Which CPC Partners conserve Leiberg's Clover (Trifolium leibergii)?

Rae Selling Berry Seed Bank & Plant Conservation Program

Not Sponsored

Conservation Actions

Assigned 06/09/17

CPC's Plant Sponsorship Program provides long term stewardship of rare plants in our National Collection. We are so grateful for all our donors who have made the Plant Sponsorship Program so successful. We are in the process of acknowledging all our wonderful plant sponsorship donors on our website. This is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.

Conservation Actions

10/01/2020

Germination trials at The Berry Botanic Garden. Seeds were either cold stratified for 8 weeks or not cold stratified. They were then placed in either constant 68F (20C) or alternating 50/68F (10/20C) temperature chambers. All treatments resulted in 100% germination (BBG File).

10/01/2020

Germination trials at Lewis and Clark College. Seeds germinated readily in both 41F (5C) conditions and 68F (20C) conditions (Florance 1994).

10/01/2020

Seeds from 5 sites stored at The Berry Botanic Garden (BBG File).

10/01/2020

Seeds from 5 sites stored at The Berry Botanic Garden (BBG File).

Nature Serve Biotics

05/02/2017

Known from about 23 sites in southcentral and southeastern Oregon (Harney and Malheur?County) and in northeastern Nevada (Elko County). Surveys in the 300 km-area between the presently known sites could turn up more populations. There are many large populations, with over 10,000 plants, in Nevada. Threats of trampling and grazing by cattle are minimal.

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

ORV use (Nora Taylor, pers. comm.) Cattle trails through habitat (Nora Taylor, pers. comm.) Possible threats to native pollinators.

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

As of 2001: 26 sites in Oregon with a total of approximately 38,000 individuals. Most sites are on Federal (BLM) or State (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) owned land. Approximately 10% of individuals are on private land. Surveys have not been exhaustive, so it is possible that more populations exist (Nora Taylor, pers. comm.) 7 occurrences in Nevada with a total of approximately 136,000 individuals (NNHP 2001).

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

Germination trials at Lewis and Clark College. Seeds germinated readily in both 41F (5C) conditions and 68F (20C) conditions (Florance 1994). Germination trials at The Berry Botanic Garden. Seeds were either cold stratified for 8 weeks or not cold stratified. They were then placed in either constant 68F (20C) or alternating 50/68F (10/20C) temperature chambers. All treatments resulted in 100% germination (BBG File).

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

Recent searches in Oregon have revealed numerous new occurrences (Nora Taylor, pers. comm.). No monitoring on BLM land in Oregon as of 2001. A plan is being developed to begin monitoring populations in 2002 or 2003 (Nora Taylor, pers. comm.). Sites on BLM land in Oregon are on grazing allotments, but cattle do not linger in the area (Nora Taylor, pers. comm.) Seeds from 5 sites stored at The Berry Botanic Garden (BBG File).

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

Monitor sites to determine population trends. Study general ecology of the species.

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.

01/01/2010

Collect and store seed from populations across range. Determine propagation and re-introduction protocols.