Microclover: More Hype Than Help?

Microclover: More Hype Than Help?

We've all seen the ads: "Replace your thirsty lawn with eco-friendly microclover!" Sounds great, right? But here's the reality while microclover has some benefits, it's not the ecological miracle it's often made out to be.

Think of it like putting fresh paint on rotten wood, it may look better, but the underlying problem still remains.

Why Microclover Falls Short

Microclover still requires mowing and maintenance. More importantly, it doesn't offer the same ecosystem services as a truly diverse native plant landscape. If you're aiming to support pollinators, birds, and soil health, microclover simply doesn’t measure up.

As renowned ecologist Doug Tallamy points out, a single clutch of chickadees needs thousands of caterpillars to survive. And what feeds those caterpillars? Not clover. It’s our native plants—species that have co-evolved with local insects and wildlife.

📌 Important Note: Microclover (Trifolium repens) is native to Europe and Asia not the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, or other North American regions. It doesn't offer the same nutritional or ecological value to native wildlife.

Before jumping on the microclover bandwagon, ask yourself: are you rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic or building a lifeboat?

The Native Plant Advantage

Native plants are the true champions of ecological restoration. They’ve evolved alongside local insects and birds, creating a deep, mutualistic relationship. From milkweed for monarchs to oak trees that support over 500 species of caterpillars, these plants power a rich web of life.

By replacing unused lawn space with pockets of native plants—whether a small pollinator patch, a pocket prairie, or a regionally appropriate native plant community—you create habitat, improve soil health, and reduce maintenance.

Let’s ditch the microclover hype and embrace what truly works: native plants. They’re the foundation of a thriving ecosystem and will bring your yard—and your local wildlife—back to life.

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