LADINO CLOVER:  Trifolium repens L.

	"Ladino" clover is a large or giant type of white clover.  There are also small and intermediate types of white clover.  The small type is usually referred to as "Wild White".  The small type produces low yields, and is seldom planted in improved pastures.  The intermediate type of white clover has commonly been referred to as "White Dutch Clover".  It is intermediate in size to the small type and ladino.  White Dutch clover generally flowers earlier and more profusely than ladino, and is preferred in those areas of the United State where white clover behaves as a reseeding annual.  In Kansas, the large type, ladino is much preferred over either the small or intermediate types.
	Ladino clover excels under conditions of optimum soil moisture and fertility.  It is shallow rooted and spreads by solid stolons that root at the nodes.  Leaves are trifoliate, and usually are marked with a white V.  Flowers are usually white, occasionally pinkish, and are borne on heads containing 20 to 150 individual perfect flowers.  Plants flower and produce viable seed the first summer.  Under stressful conditions, the persistence of ladino in a pasture depends upon volunteer seedlings.  Under more favorable conditions, ladino persists as a perennial returning from the roots.  In Kansas, persistence of ladino clover is a function of both.
	Ladino clover is entirely cross pollinated, relying upon honeybees and other pollen collecting insects.  Pods usually contain three to four seeds, which mature three to four weeks after pollination.
	Leaves and flowers are the only plant parts harvested.  Consequently, the forage yield of the clover component of a ladino/grass pasture is relatively low.  However, total forage yield, forage quality and distribution of production is excellent.  Total yield of a ladino clover/grass pasture is comparable to that of other legume/grass mixtures.
	White clover has been described as a "tonic" because of its beneficial effects on livestock grazing it.  Ladino is low in fiber and is highly digestible, nutritious, and palatable.  On a dry weight basis crude protein can run 30% and digestibility may range from 60% to 80%.  Ladino clover has been credited with improving animal health, increased milk flow, increased calf weaning weight and daily gains, and improved conception rates.