Plants That Look Like Clover

If you’re looking for plants that look like clover, you’re in for a treat. Many charming species share that familiar three-leaf form and those lovely heart-shaped leaflets, offering a world of options beyond the common lawn weed.

These look-alikes can be fantastic ground covers, beautiful houseplants, or even lucky charms. Some are easy to grow, while others require a bit more care. This guide will help you identify and grow these wonderful plants.

This group includes plants from many different botanical families. They have all evolved a similar leaf shape, often to create efficient ground cover. Recognizing them starts with looking closely at their leaves, flowers, and growth habits.

Oxalis (Wood Sorrel)

This is the classic clover impersonator. Oxalis species are often mistaken for true clover (Trifolium). The biggest give away is their flower shape. Oxalis blooms have five distinct petals, while clover flowers are small, rounded pom-poms.

Leaf Shape: Exactly three heart-shaped leaflets that fold closed at night.
Common Types: Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis), Lucky Shamrock (Oxalis regnellii).
Growing Tip: Many go dormant in summer. Don’t throw the pot away when it dies back; it will likely regrow.

Shamrock Plant (Trifolium dubium or Oxalis)

This is where tradition and botany get fuzzy. The “shamrock” of Irish legend is usually considered a type of clover. But the plants sold as shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day are almost always a species of Oxalis.

True clover shamrocks are typically grown from seed.
Potted Oxalis shamrocks are grown from bulbs or rhizomes.
Both are easy to care for as houseplants with bright, indirect light.

Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)

This common lawn weed is a dead ringer for clover. You’ll often see it mixed in with grass and white clover. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice key differences.

Leaflets are oval with a tiny point, less distinctly heart-shaped.
It produces tiny, compact yellow flower clusters that look like hops.
It’s an annual that fixes nitrogen, but can become invasive.

Lesser Hop Trefoil (Trifolium campestre)

This is a true clover, but its form is more prostrate and its flower head is a charming, pale yellow globe. It’s a common sight in meadows and dry grasslands.

Its central leaflet has a very short stalk, making the three leaflets appear almost attached at the same point.
The flower head starts pale yellow and fades to a light brown.
It’s a valuable plant for pollinators and poor soil.

Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum)

This is a vining plant with the classic three-leaf pattern. It’s a native perennial in warmer regions and produces stunning purple or pink flowers.

It’s a twining vine that can climb over shrubs or trail along the ground.
The flowers are large and pea-like, which is a clear distinction from clover.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Tell Them Apart From True Clover

It’s not as hard as you might think. Here’s a quick checklist:

Flower Shape: Clover = round head of many tiny flowers. Oxalis = 5-petaled single flowers. Black Medic = tiny yellow clusters.
Leaf Markings: Many clovers have a faint white “V” on each leaflet. Oxalis usually does not.
Growth Habit: Is it a upright plant, a flat ground cover, or a vine?
Taste (if safe): Oxalis leaves have a sharp, lemony taste due to oxalic acid. Clover leaves are mild and grassy.

Growing Plants With Heart-Shaped Leaves

Whether you want a lucky charm on your windowsill or a lush ground cover in your garden, these plants have similar needs. The most important factor is usually light.

Light Requirements

Most of these plants prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch the delicate leaves, especially for varieties like Purple Shamrock.

Indoors: An east or west-facing window is ideal.
Outdoors: Partial shade to full sun, depending on the species. Check the plant tag.
Signs of too much sun: Leaves look faded, crispy, or develop brown spots.

Soil and Watering Needs

Well-draining soil is non-negotiable. These plants often have bulbs or delicate roots that rot in soggy soil.

Use a standard potting mix with a handful of perlite for drainage.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Soak the pot thoroughly, then let excess water drain away completely.
Reduce watering significantly if the plant goes dormant.

Fertilizing for Healthy Growth

They are not heavy feeders, but a little nutrition helps. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied at half-strength once a month during the active growing season is perfect. Over-fertilizing leads to lots of leaves but few flowers, and can harm the roots.

Using Clover Look-Alikes in Your Garden

These plants aren’t just curiosities; they have real garden value. Their mat-forming nature and pretty flowers make them versatile.

As a Ground Cover

Low-growing types like some Oxalis or white clover itself form a living carpet. They suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion, and add texture. They work well between stepping stones or under taller plants. Just be sure to choose a variety that’s suited to your climate and can handle foot traffic if needed.

In Containers and Hanging Baskets

Trailing varieties, like certain Oxalis or the Butterfly Pea vine, are stunning in containers. Their leaves spill over the edges, creating a soft, full look. Pair them with upright flowering plants for a dynamic display. The contrast of purple Oxalis leaves with yellow blooms is especially striking.

As a Lucky Houseplant

The tradition of keeping a shamrock plant for good luck is a wonderful one. They are generally low-maintenance. The key is understanding their dormancy cycle. When the plant starts to look tired and die back, just cut off the dead foliage, place it in a cool, dark place for a few weeks, and then resume watering to spur new growth.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even easy plants have issues sometimes. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Pests to Watch For

Aphids and spider mites are the most common pests. They suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and distortion.

Aphids: Small, green or black bugs clustered on new growth. Blast them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Tiny red or brown mites that create fine webbing. Increase humidity and treat with neem oil.
Regularly inspecting the undersides of leaves is the best prevention.

Fungal Issues and Rot

This is almost always caused by overwatering or poor air circulation. Signs include mushy stems, black spots on leaves, or a fuzzy gray mold (Botrytis).

Immediately remove affected leaves or stems with clean shears.
Let the soil dry out more between waterings.
Improve air flow around the plant.
In severe cases, repot into fresh, dry soil.

When Leaves Look Sad

Yellow leaves can mean overwatering or under-watering. Check the soil first. Leggy growth means the plant needs more light. Leaves that won’t open or are constantly folded might indicate the plant is too hot, too cold, or getting too much direct light.

Propagation Methods

Want more of these charming plants? They are typically easy to propagate.

Dividing Bulbs or Rhizomes

This is the best method for Oxalis. When you repot the plant, you’ll often find a network of small bulbs or fleshy rhizomes.

Gently remove the plant from its pot and brush away the soil.
Carefully separate the bulbs, ensuring each has at least one growing point or eye.
Replant them individually in small pots with fresh potting mix.
Water lightly and place in bright, indirect light. New growth should appear in a few weeks.

Growing from Seed

True clovers and their relatives like Black Medic are easily grown from seed. This is a cost-effective way to cover a large area.

Scratch the soil surface lightly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Sow the seeds thinly and cover with a very fine layer of soil.
Keep the area consistently moist until germination.
Thin the seedlings to prevent overcrowding.

Taking Stem Cuttings

For vining types like Butterfly Pea, stem cuttings work well. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist potting mix. Roots should develop within a couple of weeks. Then you can pot it up.

FAQ Section

What is the plant that looks like a large clover?
The Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis) often has leaves much larger than common lawn clover. Another possibility is a type of wood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) which has big, lush green leaves.

Is there a plant that looks like clover but has yellow flowers?
Yes, several! Black Medic (Medicago lupulina) and Lesser Hop Trefoil (Trifolium campestre) both have yellow flowers. Some Oxalis species, like Oxalis pes-caprae, also produce yellow blooms.

What indoor plant has heart shaped leaves like clover?
The most common is the Purple Shamrock or other Oxalis regnellii varieties sold as shamrock plants. They are popular indoor plants because of their attractive foliage and dormancy tolerance.

Are clover look-alikes safe for pets?
You must be cautious. Oxalis contains oxalic acid, which can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities. True clovers (Trifolium) are generally considered non-toxic. Always check the specific plant and keep it out of reach if you’re unsure.

Why does my shamrock plant close its leaves at night?
This is a normal behavior called nyctinasty. The plant folds its leaves to reduce water loss and protect itself during the night. It’s a sign your plant is healthy and responsive to its environment.

Can I eat plants that look like clover?
Some are edible in small amounts. Wood sorrel (Oxalis) has a lemony flavor and can be used as a garnish. True clover leaves and flowers are also edible. However, correct identification is absolutely critical, as some look-alikes may be harmful. Never eat a plant unless you are 100% certain of its identity.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Plant

The world of plants that look like clover is diverse and rewarding. Whether you choose the dramatic purple foliage of an Oxalis, the lucky tradition of a shamrock, or the ecological benefits of a true clover ground cover, you’re adding a special touch to your space.

Start by considering your conditions—indoor or outdoor, sun or shade. Then pick a plant that fits. Pay attention to its needs, especially watering, and don’t be alarmed by natural dormancy. With a little care, these charming plants with their heart-shaped leaves will bring a piece of natural whimsy to your garden or home for years to come. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process of learning about them and watching them grow.