Alsike grows where many other clovers will not. It tolerates heavy clay soil, and even areas prone to flooding. It is a weak-stemmed plant that uses neighbouring grasses to keep it upright to a height of around 40cm (16”), though it can grow a little taller in high grasses.
Latin
Trifolium hybridum
Family: Fabaceae
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Timing
Alsike clover does best from spring sowing, or fall sowing where winters are mild. Sow late winter to mid spring, or August to early October.
Starting
Sow seeds 5mm (¼") deep.
Growing
Alsike can also be mowed back fairly hard when needed. It is best suited to cool summer growing in full sun. Alsike can fix 60-120 lb of Nitrogen per acre, per year. It is hardy to Zone 3. If grown for hay, it should be kept to less than 5% of the total mass.
Note on Toxicity: Although certified organic Alsike clover is great natural Nitrogen fixer, it is toxic to horses and other equines. It should not be used in grazing pastures. Please avoid its use in hay mixtures, and avoid planting on property that borders horse or donkey pastures.