Red Clover, Trifolium pratense

A "true clover" in Trifolium genus; short-lived perennial acting as a biennial; moderate taproot system; erect branching habit from a crown; stems pubescent; leaves palmately compound pubescent, nearly always with white blotches in leaflets, distinct green to reddish veining in stipules; rose or reddish flowers in large compact clusters at end of branches. Red clover is more tolerant of acidic soils than alfalfa, and is an important 1orage legume in the northeastern U.S. for that reason. Frequently grown in a biculture with a grass such as orchardgrass. Lower yield potential than alfalfa, but similar in forage quality and digestibility. Biennial tendency desirable for short rotations, but detracts from use in 1onger-term forage production systems. May cause bloating in livestock.



Red Clover flower, red, pink or white


Alsike, White and Red clover trifoliate leaves (palmate compound).
Note light colored "V" blotch on each Red clover leaflet (absent on Alsike clover).

Compare to White Clover
Compare to Alsike Clover
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