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