Clover: Types and Uses

Clover, also known as trefoil, is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the legume or pea family Fabaceae. The genus has a worldwide distribution and is particularly prominent in temperate climates. Clover species are valuable for their agricultural and ecological roles, with several types commonly cultivated as forage crops, cover crops, and soil improvers. Here are some of the main types of clover:

1. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense):

   • Red clover is one of the most widely grown clover species. It is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northwest Africa but has been introduced to many other regions worldwide.
   • This type of clover is known for its pinkish-red flowers, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators. It is often used as a forage crop for livestock due to its high protein content and nutritional value.
   • Red clover is also used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits, including as a treatment for menopausal symptoms due to its phytoestrogen content.

2. White Clover (Trifolium repens):

   • White clover is another widely cultivated species, native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. It has been naturalized in many other regions, including North America, where it is commonly found in lawns and pastures.
   • This clover species is characterized by its white or pale pink flowers and creeping growth habit. It forms dense mats and is often used in pasture mixtures for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits surrounding plants.
   • White clover is also a valuable forage crop, providing nutrition for grazing animals, and it is used in agricultural practices to improve soil fertility and structure.

3. Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum):

   • Alsike clover is a hybrid species resulting from the crossbreeding of red clover and white clover. It is named after Alsike, a town in Sweden where it was first cultivated.
   • This clover species has pink flowers that resemble those of red clover but with a lighter shade. It is valued for its tolerance to wetter soils compared to other clover types.
   • Alsike clover is commonly used in pasture mixtures and as a cover crop, contributing to soil health and providing forage for livestock.

4. Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum):

   • Crimson clover is an annual clover species native to Mediterranean regions but now widely grown in various parts of the world. It is known for its striking crimson or deep red flowers.
   • This type of clover is often used as a cover crop to protect and improve soil quality, especially during fallow periods. It helps prevent soil erosion, suppresses weeds, and adds nitrogen to the soil through nitrogen fixation.
   • Crimson clover is also utilized as a forage crop and can be grazed by livestock or cut for hay and silage.

5. Berseem Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum):

   • Berseem clover is an annual clover species native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It is primarily grown as a forage crop and cover crop in regions with mild winters.
   • This clover species has white or pink flowers and is known for its rapid growth and high biomass production. It is often used in crop rotations to improve soil fertility and structure.
   • Berseem clover is a valuable feed source for livestock, particularly in areas where other forage options may be limited during certain seasons.

6. Subterranean Clover (Trifolium subterraneum):

   • Subterranean clover is a small annual clover species native to the Mediterranean region and parts of North Africa. It is unique in that its seed pods mature underground.
   • This clover species is well-adapted to dry conditions and poor soils, making it suitable for grazing in arid and semi-arid regions. It has a prostrate growth habit and forms dense mats on the ground.
   • Subterranean clover is valued for its ability to provide forage in challenging environments and contribute to soil nitrogen levels through nitrogen fixation.

7. Arrowleaf Clover (Trifolium vesiculosum):

   • Arrowleaf clover is an annual or biennial clover species native to the southeastern United States but also found in other parts of North America. It is named for its arrow-shaped leaflets.
   • This clover species is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock, particularly in regions with acidic soils and low fertility. It has good drought tolerance and can thrive in well-drained soils.
   • Arrowleaf clover is often included in pasture mixtures to enhance forage quality and yield, especially during the cool season.

These are just some of the many types of clover found around the world, each with its unique characteristics and benefits in agriculture and ecological systems.

Certainly! Let’s delve deeper into the characteristics and uses of each type of clover mentioned earlier:

1. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense):

   • Red clover is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to about 20-80 cm tall. It has trifoliate leaves, each leaflet being oval to obovate in shape with a characteristic white crescent or “chevron” marking.
   • The flowers of red clover are pinkish-red and arranged in dense, globular clusters at the end of the stems. These flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees, making red clover a valuable plant for pollinators.
   • In agriculture, red clover is primarily used as a forage crop for grazing animals such as cattle, sheep, and horses. It is known for its high protein content, palatability, and ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
   • Red clover is also used in crop rotations to enhance soil health and break pest and disease cycles. Additionally, it is a source of phytoestrogens like isoflavones, which have been studied for their potential health benefits, particularly for women’s health.

2. White Clover (Trifolium repens):

   • White clover is a low-growing perennial herb with creeping stems (stolons) that root at nodes, forming dense mats of foliage. It has trifoliate leaves with rounded leaflets and white or pale pink flowers.
   • This clover species is highly adaptable and thrives in various soil types and moisture conditions. It is commonly found in lawns, pastures, meadows, and along roadsides.
   • White clover is valuable in agriculture as a forage crop, particularly in mixed pastures with grasses. It provides nutrition to grazing animals and improves pasture quality by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil.
   • Due to its ability to withstand close grazing and recover quickly, white clover is often included in pasture renovation and improvement programs.

3. Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum):

   • Alsike clover is a hybrid between red clover and white clover, exhibiting characteristics of both parent species. It is a herbaceous perennial with pinkish flowers and a spreading growth habit.
   • One notable feature of Alsike clover is its tolerance to wet or poorly drained soils compared to other clover types. This adaptability makes it suitable for use in areas with occasional waterlogging.
   • In agriculture, Alsike clover is used as a forage crop, cover crop, and green manure. It contributes to soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and helps control erosion when planted as a ground cover.
   • This clover species is also utilized in wildlife habitat restoration projects and as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects.

4. Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum):

   • Crimson clover is an annual clover species with upright growth, reaching heights of 30-90 cm. It has compound leaves with three leaflets and produces striking crimson or deep red flower heads.
   • This clover species is commonly used as a cover crop in agricultural systems. Its rapid growth and dense foliage help suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion, and improve soil structure.
   • Crimson clover is also valued for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, which benefits subsequent crops in crop rotation systems. It is often sown in fallow fields or after cash crops are harvested.
   • In addition to its agronomic benefits, crimson clover is attractive to pollinators and beneficial insects, contributing to overall biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.

5. Berseem Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum):

   • Berseem clover is an annual clover species with a robust growth habit, typically reaching heights of 30-90 cm. It has trifoliate leaves and produces white to pink flowers arranged in dense clusters.
   • This clover species is well-suited for cultivation in regions with mild winters, where it serves as a valuable forage crop for livestock such as dairy cattle, goats, and sheep.
   • Berseem clover is known for its high biomass production and nutritional quality, providing protein-rich feed for grazing animals. It is often included in winter forage rotations to supplement feed availability.
   • Additionally, berseem clover is used in crop rotations to improve soil health by fixing nitrogen and enhancing soil organic matter content.

6. Subterranean Clover (Trifolium subterraneum):

   • Subterranean clover is an annual clover species that typically grows close to the ground, reaching heights of 10-30 cm. Its most distinctive feature is its underground maturing seed pods.
   • This clover species is well-adapted to Mediterranean climates and thrives in poor, acidic soils. It has a prostrate growth habit, forming dense mats that provide cover and forage for grazing animals.
   • Subterranean clover is utilized in pasture systems, especially in regions prone to drought and water scarcity. It can persist in semi-arid environments and contributes to soil nitrogen levels through symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
   • Due to its ability to reseed and establish quickly after disturbances, subterranean clover is valued for soil erosion control and rehabilitation of degraded landscapes.

7. Arrowleaf Clover (Trifolium vesiculosum):

   • Arrowleaf clover is an annual or biennial clover species with upright stems and distinctive arrow-shaped leaflets. It typically grows to heights of 30-90 cm and produces clusters of white to pink flowers.
   • This clover species is well-adapted to acidic, low-fertility soils and is often used in pasture mixtures in the southeastern United States and other regions with similar soil conditions.
   • Arrowleaf clover provides nutritious forage for grazing livestock and contributes to soil improvement through nitrogen fixation. It is utilized in pasture renovation and as a component of wildlife habitat restoration projects.
   • In addition to its agricultural uses, arrowleaf clover is valued for its role in pollinator conservation, as its flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.

These different types of clover play essential roles in agriculture, ecology, and sustainable land management practices, highlighting the diversity and versatility of this plant genus.