Alpen-Klee
Trifolium alpinum L.
This perennial member of the Fabaceae family adds a splash of colour to the Alpine meadows. The flowers of Alpine Clover vary between flesh-pink and purple, and at times, but only rarely, can be seen in a delicate yellowish-white.
Although Alpine Clover does not grow particularly high, reaching only a height of 5–20 cm above the ground, it forms a taproot of over 100 cm in length, which helps to secure the plant to the ground. Its pinnate three-foliate leaves are characteristic of all clover species (Trifolium).
Facts and Figures
Even though its abundant flowers are easy to see from afar, it is worth getting a little closer to this clover. It smells pleasant when the sun is shining. Alpine Clover is the marmot’s favourite food. It has been found that these animals feed almost exclusively on Alpine Clover, which helps them to build up a special type of fat for hibernation.
Territory
Alpine Clover grows at an altitude of around 1,700–2,500 metres above sea level and prefers more acidic and nutrient-deficient locations. In Switzerland, the plant is found in many places within and at the peripheries of the Alps. It can also be seen regularly outside the Alpine Garden growing on the Gornergrat. more information