Trifoliate - Three Leaflets 

Do you know your three leaflet weeds? There are many weeds that grow in New Zealand lawns and gardens that look rather similar in that the leaves are divided into three leaflets and look a bit like the Irish 3-leaf shamrock symbol. Such leaves are known as trifoliate. These weeds are low growing, spreading or sometimes scrambling.

Here are some similar weeds with their distinguishing features:

Name and What to Look For	Image
Trefoils Hairy Bird’s Foot Trefoil – Lotus suaveolens Slender Bird’s Foot Trefoil – Lotus angustissimus Bird’s Foot Trefoil – Lotus corniculatus Leaves have a pair of leaf-like stipules at the base of the leaf stalk.
Medicks Black Medick – Medicago lupulina Bur Medick – Medicago nigra Spotted Bur Medick – Medicago arabica Stems lie flat or curved upwards. Centre leaflet stalked.
Clovers Haresfoot Trefoil – Trifolium arvense Softly hairy, greyish colour. Suckling Clover – Trifolium dubium Almost hairless, thin wiry stems. Red Clover – Trifolium pratense Leaves covered in soft, dense hairs. White Clover – Trifolium repens Creeping stems that root at notes. Subterranean Clover – Trifolium subterraneum Leaves hairy often with dark marks.
Oxalis Sourgrass – Oxalis articulate Horned Oxalis – Oxalis corniculate Fishtail Oxalis – Oxalis latifolia Bermuda Buttercup – Oxalis pes-caprae Pink Shamrock – Oxalis vallicola Creeping Oxalis - Oxalis exilis Oxalis leaflets are heart-shaped with notch at top of the central rib. Often the leaflet appears folded along the central rib.

Note that the header image is of the NZ native Creeping Oxalis - Oxalis exilis.

If you need to get rid of these weeds then our recommendations are:

In Lawns

• Apply the selective herbicide LawnPro Prickle and Hydrocotyle, LawnPro All-in-1, LawnPro Turfclean or Turfclean & Green. These will effectively control the trifoliate weeds but will leave lawn grasses unaffected.
• For best results use in Spring and Autumn when weeds and turf are growing.

In Garden Beds

• Spot treat with Weed Weapon Rapid Action or Weed Weapon Invade Gel. Weed Weapon is systemic and kills weeds down to the roots within 2-4 days and is an ideal product for use around established trees and shrubs. It is inactive in the soil so planting can be safely carried out soon after treatment.
• For a fast-acting organic solution use Kiwicare Weed Weapon Natural Power.
• For best results use in Spring and Autumn when weeds and turf are growing.

In Paths and Driveways

• For long term control on paths and driveways use Weed Weapon Long Term. This will kill a wide range of weeds and prevent regrowth for up to 12 months.
• For a fast acting organic solution use Weed Weapon Natural Power.
• For best results use in Spring and Autumn when weeds and turf are growing.

David Brittain
Kiwicare