Trifolium wildenovii, Tomcat Clover seed
Annual clover, 12–28". Fixes nitrogen, adds spring blooms, and enhances soil quality. An upright habit makes it best for open beds. Covers 1 sq ft.
From Northwest Meadowscapes.
Among native West Coast clovers, this species is one of the showiest, with crown-like white-tipped magenta flowers topping upright 8 inch stems. We’ve seen this interesting re-seeding annual plant at scattered locations from the San Juan Islands down into the northern lost coast of California, occurring in thin veins of soil on scattered rock outcroppings, graced by redwoods and Oregon grape.
Like many native clovers, this species is a historic food plant for native people with tender edible foliage and stems. Note that this palatability is also valued by deer, rabbits, and slugs, so we recommend taking precautions to protect this plant from herbivores.
Tomcat clover enjoys seasonally wet locations, and can be interseeded into grass, as long as the thatch layer is minimal and the seed can work its way down onto the soil surface. It’s also an excellent plant for small-space native gardens such as containers or raised beds where larger native wildflowers may be harder to accommodate.
How to Use Your Cover Crop & Native Seed Packets
Each seed packet is measured to cover 25 sq ft or 100 sq ft, depending on the size you chose.
Sowing Instructions
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When to sow: Fall is ideal in Portland. The soil is still warm for germination, and fall rains keep seedlings watered. Some seeds (like meadowfoam or clovers) can also be spring-sown.
How to sow:
- Rake the soil lightly to create good seed-to-soil contact.
- Scatter the contents of the packet evenly over the area (don’t worry about perfect spacing).
- Gently press or rake seeds in so they make contact with the soil. Do not bury deeply — most native and cover crop seeds need light to germinate.
- Water: Fall rains usually do the job, but water lightly if the weather turns dry.
What to Expect
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Traditional Cover Crops (rye, peas, fava, daikon, crimson clover, buckwheat, mustard): Grow quickly, protect soil, and build fertility. In spring, chop them down or mow before they set seed. Some (like rye) can also be crimped into a mulch.
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Living Mulches (red fescue, dwarf yarrow, creeping thyme, low clovers): These stay low and provide long-term weed suppression and ground cover. Shear lightly as needed, but they don’t require replanting every year.
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Pollinator Wildflowers (Clarkia, poppy, gilia, flax, meadowfoam, coneflower, blanketflower): Not classic cover crops, but they add beauty and attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Many reseed naturally.
Spring & Summer Management
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Chop-and-drop: Cut plants at the base and leave them as mulch (peas, fava, clovers).
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Mow: Use on ryegrass or cereals to turn them into quick mulch.
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Crimp: Flatten tall rye or grains at flowering to create a long-lasting weed barrier.
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Shear perennials: Yarrow, thyme, and sedges can be trimmed back after bloom.
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Self-seeders: Flowers like poppy, clarkia, and meadowfoam will often reseed themselves. Leave some seed heads if you want them back next year.
Quick Tips
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Cover crops = soil builders.
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Living mulches = weed suppressors.
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Wildflowers = pollinator magnets.
Tulle or row cover can protect young seedlings from birds and slugs until established.
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