Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a herbaceous, short-lived perennial plant that belongs to the bean family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, but has been naturalized in many other regions, including North and South America. Here are some key facts about red clover:

• Appearance: Red clover is generally variable in size, growing to 20–80 cm (8–31 in) tall. It has a deep taproot which makes it tolerant to drought and gives it a good soil structuring effect. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate (with three leaflets), each leaflet 15–30 mm (0.6–1.2 in) long and 8–15 mm (0.3–0.6 in) broad, green with a characteristic pale crescent in the outer half of the leaf. The flowers are dark pink to red-purple, 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long, with a characteristic horseshoe-shaped white marking on the upper petal.

• Uses: Red clovers flowers and leaves are edible, and can be added as garnishes to any dish. They can be ground into a flour. The flowers often are used to make jelly and tisanes, and are used in essiac recipes. Their essential oil may be extracted and its unique scent used in aromatherapy. In alternative medicine, red clover is promoted as a treatment for a variety of human maladies, including symptoms of menopause, coughs, disorders of the lymphatic system, and a variety of cancers. There is some evidence it may reduce the frequency of hot flushes in menopausal women.

• Safety: Red clover extracts have been used in clinical studies for as long as 3 years with apparent safety. However, women should not take red clover supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Red clover might act like estrogen, which could affect hormone balances during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is also important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking red clover supplements, as it may interact with certain medications.

In summary, red clover is a herbaceous plant that is native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, but has been naturalized in many other regions. Its flowers and leaves are edible and can be used in cooking, and it is also used in alternative medicine to treat a variety of conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.