Trifolium willdenovii, with the common name Tomcat Clover, is a species in the Pea family (Fabaceae). This annual plant is native to most of California except the deserts. It grows in the coastal through inland foothills and mountain ranges, interior valleys, and coastal regions. The 20 native plant communities it is found in include coniferous forest, oak woodland, chaparral, and grassland.
Tomcat Clover is a low-growing annual clover that makes a colorful seasonal ground cover. It can be good for filling in garden spaces between maturing native shrubs, perennials, or bunch grasses. It flowers in spring, and can reseed abundantly. This clover’s lavender to purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds.