Red Clover Trifolium Pratense L.

Red clover is one of the oldest true clovers to be sown and used as livestock feed and crop rotation. It became integral in the development of both European and American agriculture. Originating in Asia Minor and southeastern Europe, it easily spread as an important sown crop throughout Europe, then in England, and finally in America. As an outward sign of this historical spread, its flower is the national flower of Denmark and the state flower of Vermont!

In North America, red clovers are grouped by flowering type. Early flowering types are known as “medium red”. Medium red types are known for producing 2-3 hay crops per year, are normally biennial or demonstrate a short-lived perennial growth habit. In the lower South, they generally act as an annual. Late flowering types are known as “mammoth” or “single-cut”. The late flowering mammoth types are nicknamed “single-cut” because they produce only one major hay crop per year.

Red clover has hairy hollow stems and leaves, and magenta flowers borne in compact seed head clusters. Each leaf has three oval leaflets. The 2” long leaflets have a white or light green chevron. Red clover plants grow from crowns. Red clover has larger seed than white clover giving it better seedling vigor than its white flowered cousin. This seedling vigor also facilitates drilling it into existing grass pastures.

Red clover prefers soils with a pH of 5.8-7.0. Red clover is often grazed, but is not tolerant of continuous close defoliation; rotational stocking is best. Red clover also requires good soil moisture, has good heat and drought tolerance, but is not considered as tolerant of wet conditions like other clovers, such as white and alsike.

Red clover is commonly used for hay, grazing, weed suppression, and soil building. Its extensive root system and deep tap root can penetrate multiple feet, providing access to nutrients and moisture over other more shallow-rooted clovers.

Although it is still primarily used for both hay and grazed pasture, in the grand tradition of ley farming, it is re-establishing itself as a green manure legume for crop rotation and cover cropping systems. Its flowers have even been promoted recently for use as herbal tea with possible medicinal qualities.

While common VNS, or variety not stated medium red clover may be readily available, we recommend using GA-9908 when improved grazing performance, better disease resistance and extended longevity are desired. This is especially true in southern environments. Learn more about GA-9908.