Buffalo clover (Trifolium reflexum) is listed as endangered by the State of Indiana, but this rare plant was discovered on the Hoosier National Forest following a prescribed burn.
This patch of buffalo clover lives in an open canopy of dry oak forest adjacent to a “barrens” plant community and is the only known occurrence of buffalo clover on the Hoosier National Forest (and one of only two populations known to occur in Indiana).
In Indiana, buffalo clover has fewer existing populations than running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum), which is listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The discovery of buffalo clover is attributed to the repeated prescribed burning of the area, which stimulated germination of pre-existing seeds. Similar results have occurred for the species at other locations in nearby states, including the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois.
Photo: Buffalo clover grows in Hoosier National Forest (Forest Service photo by Kirk W. Larson).
