Alsike Clover

Fun Fact:

The name “Alsike” comes from a tiny village in Sweden.

General Description:

Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum) is an introduced, short-lived, non-creeping perennial with a growth habit similar to red clover. Alsike Clover typically grows 2-4 feet tall. The little flowers can be pink to white. Compared to the red clover the flower heads are smaller. It is believe to have originated from near the village of Alsike in central Sweden. It has been grown extensively in Europe since the early 1800’s and was introduced to North American around 1840 Alsike Clover typically grows 2-4 feet tall.

Alsike is usually planted with grasses for pasture and hay in areas where other higher yielding legumes are not adapted. Pure stands of alsike clover should be harvested for hay when in full bloom. However, there may be many heads with ripe seed when a field is in full bloom. Despite the presence of some mature heads, the fine stems of alsike clover keep growing and do not harden quickly.

WARNING: This clover has a tendency to cause bloat and should be fed to livestock with care. Take steps to introduce animals gradually to the forage or risk of bloat can be high. It has also been implicated as causing “alsike clover poisoning” in horses but existing experimental evidence is insufficient to prove that such a poisoning exists caused by alsike clover. Alsike-induced photosensitization has been reported among animals grazing alsike clover. This will occur in bright, sunny weather and causes a reddening of the skin and swelling of the affected areas in horses.

Uses:

• Hay
• Pasture
• Soil Improvement

Planting Conditions:

Alsike Clover is adapted to a wide range of soil types and grows well in northern latitudes and at high elevations. It survives severe winters and performs best where summers are cool. It grows well on soils that are too acidic for red clover (pH < 6.0) and can tolerate more alkalinity than most clovers. It will tolerate wetter soils better than other clovers. It prefers silty clay loams where moisture is sufficient throughout the growing season (mean annual precipitation 18 inches or more) or can be supplied by irrigation. Alsike clover does not tolerate droughty sites but will tolerate soils that are completely waterlogged and will withstand spring flooding up to 6 weeks. It is not shade tolerant.

Alsike Clover performs better when panted in a mix with grasses.

Establishment:

Best time to plant is fall or spring. For a spring planting plant when the ground can be worked. For a fall planting you want to have at least 6-8 weeks before any hard frost hits. Germination takes roughly about 7-10 days under good moisture. Alsike can take anywhere between 60-90 days to fully establish.

Seeding Rate:

Broadcast: 2-4 pounds per acre