Alsike Clover

Trifolium hybridum
 
Alsike clover is a semi-erect biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows from a crown that produces many prostrate stems up to 1 m in length and a height 30-60 cm. Flowers are dense clusters on the ends of secondary branches from the main stem; globe-shaped pale pink/white, fade to brown in colour and 2.5 cm diameter. 1-3 seeds per pods ~1.5 million/kg 
 
Pros
	
high nutritive value
	
productive in cool temperate areas late in the season where it's too dry to sustain white clover 
	
like full sunlight
	
tolerant of poor drainage will grow on peaty soil
	
grows in an area of 500mm rainfall
	
grows in a broad pH range of acidity/alkalinity 
	
tolerates low fertility areas
	
free of oestrogen risks.
 
cons
	
low production in winter
	
low shade tolerance
	
can cause, photosensitization and big liver syndrome in horses and sometimes in cattle. 
	
potential for nitrate poisoning
 
 Mix suggestions
Grasses:  phalaris, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass