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Description
Trifolium hybridum, commonly known as alsike clover, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a hybrid between Trifolium pratense (red clover) and Trifolium repens (white clover). Alsike clover has a long history of being used as a forage crop for livestock, as well as for soil improvement and erosion control. It is a cool-season plant that grows best in moist, well-drained soils.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Trifolium |
Appearance
Alsike clover is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of 1-2 feet. Its leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being oval in shape and about 1 inch long. The flowers are pink to white in color and are arranged in dense, spherical clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers bloom in the late spring and early summer.
Care Guide
Alsike clover requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Alsike clover requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. It prefers moist, well-drained soils.- Fertilization: Alsike clover benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in the spring and fall.- Soil: Alsike clover grows best in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It can tolerate some acidity but does not do well in highly alkaline soils.- Sunlight: Alsike clover prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not grow as vigorously.- Hardiness Zones: Alsike clover is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alsike clover is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:- Clover mites: These tiny red pests can cause significant damage to the leaves of alsike clover.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots to appear on the leaves of alsike clover.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves of alsike clover.- Root rot: This disease can be caused by a number of fungal pathogens and can cause the roots of alsike clover to rot.
Habitat
Alsike clover is native to Europe and Asia but has been widely introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, pastures, and along roadsides. Alsike clover is often used as a forage crop for livestock, as well as for soil improvement and erosion control.
Question and Answer
Q: Is alsike clover toxic to livestock?
A: Alsike clover can be toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities. It contains a compound called slaframine that can cause excessive salivation and other symptoms in animals.
Q: Can alsike clover be grown in containers?
A: While alsike clover is typically grown in the ground, it can be grown in containers if given enough space and light.
Q: How often should alsike clover be fertilized?
A: Alsike clover benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in the spring and fall.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for alsike clover?
A: Alsike clover grows best in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It can tolerate some acidity but does not do well in highly alkaline soils.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Trifolium hybridum:- Trifolium pratense (red clover)- Trifolium repens (white clover)- Trifolium incarnatum (crimson clover)- Trifolium alexandrinum (Egyptian clover)- Trifolium dubium (little hop clover)
References
– “Alsike Clover.” University of Minnesota Extension, 2021, https://extension.umn.edu/forages/alsike-clover.- “Alsike Clover.” USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2021, https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_trhy.pdf.- “Alsike Clover.” Penn State Extension, 2021, https://extension.psu.edu/alsike-clover.
