This annual clover with a strictly Mediterranean, mainly eastern distribution, is present in all Italian regions overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, in Abruzzo and in Puglia. It grows in uncultivated grasslands, on rather primitive soils that are dry in summer, from sea level to about 600 m, with optimum in the Mediterranean belt. The species is rare in the outer belt of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with pastures. The genus name derives from the Latin word 'tri' (three) and 'folium' (leaf), referring to the leaves, that are divided into 3 leaflets; the species name refers to the frothy appearance of the inflorescence. Flowering period: April to May.

Italian name(s): Trifogghiu a vissica (Sicilia, Modica), Trifogghiu cieusu (Sicilia, Modica), Trifoglio spumoso (Italia).