The subterranean clover is an annual plant with a Mediterranean distribution present in all regions of Italy except Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia, but more frequent in the Mediterranean part of the Country. It grows in dry meadows and pastures, meadows, along trails, on siliceous substrates, from sea level to about 1200 m. The species is fairly common in the outer belt of the Sardinian temporary ponds. The genus name refers to the leaves divided into three leaflets; the specific name refers to the fact that after fertilization the peduncles of the inflorescence are folded toward the ground, where the fruit matures. Flowering period: May to June.

Italian name(s): Trifogghieju (Calabria), Trifoglio sotterraneo (Italia), Trifoglio sotterraneo (Toscana).