How to Identify a Bear Clover
- 1). Choose an indigenous area where the bear clover grows. For example, bear clover can be found growing on the western side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in elevations of 2,000 to 7,000 feet.
- 2). Look for green, low-lying shrubs, with fernlike leaves. The plant will usually be found covering dense areas under the Jeffrey pine, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, manzanita, Pacific dogwoods and incense cedars.
- 3). Wearing gloves, touch the fernlike leaves to feel for a thick, sticky sap. The plant should emit a medicinal smell.
- 4). Look at the plant's bark; it should be smooth and a bluish to brown color.
- 5). Check the plant for small, white flowers with bright yellow stamens in the center. These flowers can be found blooming May through July.