Alsike Clover Trifolium Hybridium
Origin Cultivated in Sweden as early as 1750 Came to North America in about 1834 Important legume in the clover-timothy areas Gets its name from Alsike Parish of Sweden
Description Stems and leaves are smooth Short lived perennial, often used as biennial The pink or white heads are smaller then red clover heads Blooms throughout the year Root system penetrates deeply into the subsoil Roots survive the frost to grow a new plant the following spring
Adaptation Cool season crop in low-lying moist areas Can withstand soils which are waterlogged Can stand spring floods up to six weeks Also suited well for acidic, organic soils Seeded very shallow, most tolerant of cold and frost Damage from insects and diseases are very uncommon
Limitations Intolerant of drought and high temperatures Salinity tolerance is low Shade tolerance is poor and will not make it Less useful for mixtures
Uses Used for hay in moister areas of Montana It yields very well----- 1.5 tons/acre One cutting can be harvested for hay each season Bloat can be prevented if only 1/2 stand
Cost and pounds/acre 60 pounds/bu. Seeding rate is 6-10lbs./acre 680,000 seeds/pound $1.95/lb. $59.50/50lb. bag