Trifolium lupinaster

Location: Hakobe Botanical Garden

Flower name
Trifolium lupinaster
Scientific name
Trifolium lupinaster
Alias車軸草, Trifolium lupinaster
Place of origin
Place of floweringGarden, Park, Horticultural species, Potted flower
Flowering seasonJune, July, August

What is Trifolium lupinaster

Trifolium lupinaster

Trifolium lupinaster or Shajikusō (Car Wheel Grass, scientific name: Trifolium lupinaster) is a perennial plant of the genus Trifolium in the family Fabaceae, native to East Asia including Japan. It is also known by the alternative name “Katawaguruma” (“Half Wheel”). It is said that there are about 250 species in the world. It is distributed in the highlands of central Honshu and Hokkaido.

The plant grows to a height of about 30 cm.
The leaves are green and palmately compound.
From June to August, it bears 10–20 slender, butterfly-shaped, reddish-purple petals in a head-shaped inflorescence.

Related Species in the Genus Trifolium

A type of clover, with the following related species:

Shajikusō (Trifolium lupinaster)
White Clover (Trifolium repens)
Strawberry Candle (Trifolium incarnatum)
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Origin of the Name

The genus name “Trifolium” comes from the Latin words “tres” (three) + “folium” (leaf), meaning “three leaves,” referring to the fact that the leaf is composed of three leaflets.
The species epithet “lupinaster” is a compound of “Lupinus” (Lupine genus) + “aster” (similar to), meaning “a plant similar to Lupinus.”
The Japanese name “Shajikusō” (Car Wheel Grass) was given because its 3–6 radiating leaflets (palmately compound leaves) resemble a wheel axle.
The alternative name “Katawaguruma” (Half Wheel) comes from the fact that the leaves are arranged in a semicircle.

Flower Language

“Consideration,” “Friendship,” “Gratitude.”

Common Name: Trifolium lupinaster
Scientific Name: Trifolium lupinaster, Synonym: Katawaguruma (Half Wheel)
Aka: Shajikusō (Car Wheel Grass)
Classification: Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Order Fabales, Family Fabaceae, Genus Trifolium
Native Range: Japan, East Asia
Distribution in Japan: Hokkaido to central Honshu
Habitat: Highlands
Height: 30 cm
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Shape: Palmately compound
Blooming Season: June–August
Flower Color: Pink, Red

■ Related Page
Shajikusō (Car Wheel Grass)