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[pantryslut]

"California burclover has clover leaves -- little trefoils -- and small yellow pea-type flowers in groups of three to eight. As a legume, California burclover adds some nitrogen to the soil by forming root nodules with helpful bacteria. However, since it is a thin, rangy plant that becomes easily entanles with other plants, pull it out wherever you see it. Notice two of its interesting features. On older plants you may be able to see the little brown nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots. If the plant has gone to seed, examine the seedpods. They are miniature bean pods, typical of a legume but rolled up in spirals with curved burrs along the outer edges for catching onto animal hair. (This method of hitchhiking ensures the distribution of the seeds.)"

-- Golden Gate Gardening by Pam Pierce