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What Is the State Flower of Vermont?

M. Chambers
M. Chambers

The state flower of Vermont is the red clover, which is scientifically referred to as Trifolium pratense. This perennial plant is primarily found in Western Asia, Europe and certain areas of Africa, but is often planted in other areas of the world, such as the United States. The red clover plant varies greatly in size and usually has flowers that are dark pink in color and fade to white near the bases. In addition to being the state flower of Vermont, the red clover is the national flower of Denmark.

The red clover was designated as the official state flower of Vermont on 1 February 1895. Although the red clover is planted in Vermont and generally is seen as a symbol of Vermont's scenic landscapes and countryside, the flower does not naturally grow in the U.S. This flower has been naturalized to the U.S. and typically can be found growing in open fields, countrysides, lawns and various other habitats. The red clover also is planted in many other states across the U.S., not just Vermont.

The red clover can be seen growing near Vermont's dairy farms.
The red clover can be seen growing near Vermont's dairy farms.

Red clover flowers vary in size, but the plant generally will not grow taller than 16 inches (about 40 cm). The stem of this flower is rough and hairy, and it stands in an upright position. Most red clovers will have just three leaflets, but occasionally, four leaflets can be found. This plant is easily identified by the vibrant pink or purple color of the flowers and by a very distinct white "V" marking in the middle of the leaflets.

The red clover, Vermont's state flower, has been used to treat various medical conditions related to one's reproductive health.
The red clover, Vermont's state flower, has been used to treat various medical conditions related to one's reproductive health.

The state flower of Vermont is representative of the state's unique and natural scenic beauty. The red clover flower can be found growing in many open areas. It often can be seen growing on the many dairy farms and pastures of Vermont and neighboring states.

Vermont's state flower is a member of the legume family, also known as the pea family. The red clover has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions and illnesses, most of which involve the reproductive health of the body, various skin conditions and heart issues. It also is included as an ingredient in many teas and can be eaten raw if desired. Although consuming the red clover can provide several health benefits, pregnant or nursing females should avoid consuming anything that contains red clover, because it is unknown whether the plant can have negative effects on a developing fetus.

Discussion Comments

wavy58

@cloudel – I grow red clover in my yard, and I use it for herbal remedies all the time. Your friend is correct about the tea being good to treat menstrual cramps. I drink it every month, and it has kept me from suffering so much.

I use either three freshly cut blossoms per cup of water or two teaspoons of dried red clover per cup. I boil the water and pour it over the clover, and then I cover the cup and steep it for half an hour.

Since I only drink it during my period, I can be sure I am not pregnant. I would never consume any if I thought I might be.

cloudel

My herbal enthusiast friend from Vermont told me that red clover tea is great for treating bronchitis. Personally, I want some antibiotics if I have something as severe as this, but she did mention another ailment that the tea could treat, and I am willing to try it for this.

She said that it is great at relieving menstrual symptoms. I have painful cramps during my period, and I get very bloated. I would love to take something natural to alleviate this discomfort.

Does anyone know how much red clover I should put in the tea? I don't want to poison myself with an overdose, but I want to use enough of it to be effective.

kylee07drg

@Perdido – It does indeed grow alongside the highways. What I don't understand is why the county doesn't do something about it.

Sure, red clover can be beautiful growing in masses. I have admired a field or meadow full of it before. However, along the side of the road, it is a nuisance.

If I'm driving on a four-lane highway and I need to turn left on top of a hill, I can't see oncoming traffic because the red clover is so high. Those pretty little blooms interfere with my vision, and I have pulled out in front of vehicles on more than one occasion.

Perdido

I grew up in Vermont, and I remember all the red clover growing wild along the sides of the roads. I even had some in my yard, but my dad usually mowed it down before it got big enough to bloom. So, I had to rely on the roadsides for my red clover fix.

I loved to pick the stuff. I also loved looking for four-leaf clovers amongst the hundreds of three-leaf clovers. I was lucky enough to find quite a few, which I pressed and saved.

The red clover I saw the most was maroon. I have seen a few that were more purple or pink than red, but when I think of red clover, I am literal about it.

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    • The red clover can be seen growing near Vermont's dairy farms.
      By: pisotckii
      The red clover can be seen growing near Vermont's dairy farms.
    • The red clover, Vermont's state flower, has been used to treat various medical conditions related to one's reproductive health.
      By: diego cervo
      The red clover, Vermont's state flower, has been used to treat various medical conditions related to one's reproductive health.