Fourleaf allseed Plant Care

Fourleaf allseed (Tripodion tetraphyllum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Tripodion genus. Fourleaf allseed is native to the Mediterranean Basin of southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Fourleaf allseed is also known as Tetraphyllum fourleaf.

Fourleaf allseed displays a spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Fourleaf allseed produces small clusters of pink, purple, or white pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fourleaf allseed every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Fourleaf allseed thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tripodion tetraphyllum tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Fourleaf allseed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Fourleaf allseed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fourleaf allseed every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fourleaf allseed is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Fourleaf allseed can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Fourleaf allseed while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Fourleaf allseed is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Fourleaf allseed can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Fourleaf allseed is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Fourleaf allseed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Fourleaf allseed is native to the Mediterranean Basin of southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.