Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum L.)

Characteristics

• Yield based on 2 harvests/season
• Seeds/pound: 700,000
• Seeding rate: 6-10 lbs pure live seed/acre
• Similar to red clover in growth habit
• One to two harvests per season possible
• Best suited to pastures with marginal soils
• Do not use for horse pasture

Advantages

• good quality possible
• very well adapted to acid or variably drained soils
• easy to establish

Concerns

• generally does not persist after 2 growing seasons
• much lower yielding than alfalfa
• can cause bloat and photosensitization in animals

More information

• Forage Fact Sheet
• USDA Plant Fact Sheet
• USDA Plant Guide