Online Publications

AGR-175

Forage Identification and Use Guide

Red Clover

Red clover leaves are large and nearly always have a prominent V-shaped pattern, or watermark, on the leaflets. Red clover has very hairy, fleshy stems and dark, pink flowers. Red clover plants form crowns around a taproot and grow erect.

Description Cool-season, perennial legume with hairy stems. Stands last two to three years. Erect, leafy plant that grows 2 to 3 feet tall. Leaves are large and often have prominent V-shaped watermark. Uses Hay, pasture, haylage. Advantages Widely adapted, good seedling vigor, complements tall fescue and other cool-season grasses. Established easily, high yields. Disadvantages Shorter stand life than alfalfa and white clover. Heavy first cuttings are difficult to cure. Hay is dusty. Overmature second cutting red clover hay may have a fungus that causes animals to slobber. Seeding Rate: 8-12 lb/a Depth: ¼-½ in Primary Date: Feb 1-Apr 15 Secondary Date: Aug 1-Sep 15 Harvest First harvest: May 1-May 15 Annual yield: 2-5 tons dry matter/a