If you are out and about on the chalky clays of High Suffolk you might be lucky to spot sulphur clover that can be found flowering late May – July.

This Nationally Scarce plant can occasionally be found in established semi-natural grasslands, particularly roadside verges, some of which are designated as Roadside Nature Reserves.

The distribution map clearly shows that Suffolk has a significant proportion of the national population.

The distinctive sulphur-yellow flowers and narrow, greyish green leaves almost appear suffused with the chalky component of the boulder clay. When in bloom, the flowers have an ethereal quality, like a cloud amongst the surrounding grass stems.

Sulphur clover is usually found in shorter mown or grazed grasslands where competition is low. Once more frequent, sadly, sulphur clover is now very localised, hanging on in small pockets of grassland which have escaped nutrient enrichment or fertiliser run-off. Many of its former strongholds on verges have now been taken over by grasses which thrive in the nutrient rich conditions.

But there are still a few places it can be found on the verge of quiet lanes, in churchyards, green lanes, bridleways, meadows and grassland managed for conservation. 

If you would like to try and find some sulphur clover on one of Suffolk County Council’s Roadside Nature Reserve Schemes, you can check out their website here for locations and safety information upon visiting them.