Alsike Clover

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
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  • productive in cool temperate areas late in the season where it's too dry to sustain white clover 
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  • like full sunlight
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  • tolerant of poor drainage will grow on peaty soil
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  • grows in an area of 500mm rainfall
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  • grows in a broad pH range of acidity/alkalinity 
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  • tolerates low fertility areas
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  • free of oestrogen risks.
 
cons
    	
  • low production in winter
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  • low shade tolerance
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  • can cause, photosensitization and big liver syndrome in horses and sometimes in cattle. 
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  • potential for nitrate poisoning
 
 Mix suggestions
Grasses:  phalaris, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass