How To Order: This species is sold in quantities of 3 lbs. If you order Qty: 1, you are ordering 3 lbs. Examples: 1 = 3 lbs, 25 = 75 lbs.
Common Name: Alsike Clover
Scientific Name: Trifolium hybridum
Native / Introduced: Introduced
Main Uses:
~ Hay and pasture mixture
~ Pollinator
Height: 2 - 4 feet
Colors: White, pink
Flowering Season: Late spring to early fall
Soil Types: Best on moist, silty clay loams
Tolerances: Acid, alkali and salt tolerant, some standing water
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Minimum Precipitation: 18 – 25 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial/Biennial
Planting Seed Rate: 3 – 4 lbs/acre
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 680,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall
Planting Depth: 1/8 – 1/4 inch deep
Category: Forbs/Legumes
Description:
Alsike Clover, similar to Red Clover, is a medium-height legume, ranging from 2 to 4 feet tall, and is considered a short-lived perennial/biennial with nitrogen-fixing capabilities. It thrives in various soil textures but performs best in cool, moist, medium to fine texture soils, particularly where soils are acidic. This clover demonstrates tolerance to acidity, alkalinity, and salinity. It produces abundant, palatable foliage. However, in some regions or habitats, Alsike clover may become weedy or invasive, potentially displacing desirable vegetation if not managed appropriately.
The flowers of Alsike clover are particularly attractive to bees, especially honeybees, for their nectar and pollen. It is commonly utilized in pasture and rangeland mixes and for the revegetation of disturbed sites where moisture levels are adequate. Alsike clover is rarely cultivated alone, as it tends to grow well in mixtures with grasses. Mixtures of grasses and Alsike clover are preferred for hay production, as the grasses help hold the clover more upright, facilitating easier harvesting. Typically, only one cutting of hay can be harvested from Alsike clover in a single season. It serves as groundcover, is easy to grow, naturalizes, and enhances soil quality.
Resources:
NRCS Plant Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=TRHY
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_trhy.pdf
NRCS Plant Fact Sheet: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_trhy.pdf
Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup & Andre Zharkikh
