Lesser Trefoil (Trifolium dubium), also known as Lesser Hop Clover or Suckling Clover, is a common native annual or biennial plant species in the United Kingdom. Belonging to the Fabaceae family, it is widespread in various habitats, including grasslands, meadows, lawns, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and waste grounds.

Lesser Trefoil has low to moderate nutrient requirements, thriving in well-drained soils with moderate fertility. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey, and can tolerate both sunny and partially shaded environments.

In its natural habitat, Lesser Trefoil serves as a food source for herbivores such as rabbits, hares, and livestock, which graze on its nutritious foliage. However, its bitter-tasting leaves and potentially toxic compounds provide some defence against excessive grazing pressure.

As an annual or biennial plant, Lesser Trefoil typically completes its life cycle within one or two years, germinating from seed in the spring, flowering and setting seed in the summer, and dying off in the autumn.

Culturally, Lesser Trefoil has limited significance in the UK beyond its role as a common component of grassland and meadow ecosystems. While not widely referenced in literature or folklore, it contributes to the biodiversity and ecological balance of natural habitats.

An interesting fact about Lesser Trefoil is its ability to form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, allowing it to enhance soil fertility and support the growth of neighbouring plants. This trait makes it valuable for improving soil quality in agricultural and ecological restoration projects.