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Crimson Clover:
Trifolium incarnatum
| Crimson Clover is an
upright, winter annual native to Europe, but has naturalized throughout
temperate North America. This clover will adapt to virtually all soil types,
but it does not grow as well on wet or alkaline soils.
Crimson clover prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. |
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Crimson clover may produce abundant quanties of seed, but it differs from many
other forage legumes in that few seeds are "hard". The lack of a high
proportion of hardseed allows many seeds to germinate too early in the summer.
Crimson clover does not have a high yield potential, but can produce up to 1.5
tons of dry matter, with good rains it can yield another ton per acre before
dying. It has a good nitrogen fixation capability and can contribute 60-90 lbs
of N per acre.
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Use and Management:
Grazing is more important than haying with crimson clover.
Crimson clover is overseeded mostly with Bermuda,
Dallis or Bahaia pastures. It helps in fertilizing pastures because it can take
the atmospheric nitrogen and convert it as a nitrogen source. It improves the
nutritive content of the pasture and the condition of shallow clay soils.
Crimson clover is preferred by horses and livestock as a more palatable forage
than grasses.
This and other legumes are
considered most beneficial when considered part of a pasture mix. Crimson
Clover, in particular, is used for winter grazing.
It can also be used in highway medians and roadside areas for
beautification purposes.
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