Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) is an extremely adaptable plant that grows along roadsides and in moist pastures and fields. Although it isn’t native to North America, it is found in cool, damp areas across the northern two-thirds of the United States. Plants have three smooth leaves with serrated edges. Small, whitish-pink or bicolor flowers appear along the length of the stems in late spring and early summer. If you’ve never considered growing hybridum alsike clover, perhaps you should. Read on to learn more.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Trifolium hybridum, the alsike clover, is a species of flowering plant in the pea family Fabaceae. Alsike clover is native to much of southern Europe and southwestern Asia, especially in mountainous regions. It is widely cultivated and used as a forage crop and for this purpose the subspecies T. h. hybridum is used and this has become naturalised further north in Europe and in other parts of the world. Its natural habitat is fields, meadows, roadsides, banks and waste ground. When added to seed mixtures, it seldom persists once the sword has closed up.
Despite its scientific name, alsike clover is not of hybrid origin. The plant gets its common name from the town of Alsike in Sweden from which Linnaeus first described it. He thought it was a cross between white clover (T. repens) and red clover (T. pratense), but in this he was mistaken and it is a separate species.
Alsike clover is a perennial plant with a semi-erect, sparsely branched, grooved stem, hairy in its upper regions. The leaves are alternate and stalked with small stipules. The leaves have three blunt-tipped ovate, unspotted leaflets with finely toothed margins. The inflorescence has a long stalk and is densely globose. The individual florets have a five-lobed calyx and an irregular corolla consisting of five pink petals, one upstanding “standard”, two lateral “wings” and the lower two fused to form a “keel”. There are ten stamens and a single carpel.
There is limited evidence of Trifolium Hybridum having toxic effects on horses including photosensitization and Alsike clover poisoning. Photosensitivity in horses, also known as alsike rash, is a reversible condition in which the mechanism is unknown. A diet in equestrians of at least 20% Trifolium Hybridum over the course of four weeks could lead to poisoning which includes deleterious neurological effects and liver failure. The active toxin is unknown. The plant can irritate skin if handled.
II. How to Grow and Care
Alsike clover is a perennial legume that exhibits robust growth in a variety of conditions, making it comparatively easy to care for. Special care points include ensuring adequate sunlight and tolerating a range of soils, although it thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Alsike clover can also improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, which is beneficial for gardeners looking to enrich their soil organically.
Sunlight
Alsike clover flourishes best under full sun conditions, where it receives abundant light for the majority of the day. This level of illumination promotes vigorous growth and optimal health, allowing it to develop its full potential. While alsike clover demonstrates a degree of adaptability to less-than-ideal light exposures, significant deviations from full sunlight can result in stunted growth and diminished vitality.
In an outdoor setting, alsike clover should be planted in open areas where direct sunlight is consistent, as prolonged shade can impair its development. The plant does not possess specific indoor growth recommendations as it is typically cultivated outdoors. Adaptive traits like leaf orientation may occur to maximize light absorption under varying light levels.
Watering
Originating from regions with moderate climates, alsike clover has adapted to consistent moisture levels, indicative of its preference for regular hydration without being waterlogged. It thrives when maintaining a balance in soil moisture and displays a resilience against brief periods of dryness. Watering every week is ideal to mimic its natural watering conditions. Typically grown outdoors, alsike clover benefits significantly during its growing season from the natural rainfall patterns that contribute to its lush development.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, alsike clover benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers tailored for legumes with equivalent NPK ratios. Biannual application, in spring and late summer, aligns with alsike clover’s growth cycles and ensures nutrient-rich soil. A moderate quantity of fertilizer, following product-specific recommendations, fosters vigorous growth and robust flowering without overfeeding. Seasonal variations necessitate reduced fertilization as alsike clover enters dormancy in colder months. Practical fertilization includes even distribution and incorporation into the soil to prevent root burn and enhance absorption. Safety for the surrounding ecosystem must be considered, using eco-friendly products and proper dosages to protect alsike clover and its environment.
Propagation
Alsike clover readily reproduces by direct sowing. To successfully propagate alsike clover, ensure even seed distribution, lightly sowing onto well-drained soil with moderate fertility. This method favors dense, even stands and healthy plant development. Pressing seeds slightly into the soil and maintaining steady but not excessive moisture levels will aid germination and establishment. Alsike clover benefits from careful avoidance of deep planting as light exposure aids the germination process.
Transplanting
The optimal timeframe for transplanting alsike clover spans from the thaw of early spring to the cusp of summer’s warmth, ensuring firm root establishment. Select a sunny to part-shaded locale with adequate drainage. Remember, space alsike clover generously to encourage robust growth.
III. Uses and Benefits
Trifolium Hybridum has been found to quickly lower the pH of soil, increasing its viable area of reproduction, whilst reducing the bio-density of weeds by up to 57%.
