Persian Clover (Trifolium resupinatum)

Cool Season

Persian clover is a prostrate or semi-erect branching annual legume that fixes a large amount of nitrogen through its growing season. They have finer stems than Berseem, and Persian clover. Persian clover has a branching tap root. It will survive well in blends. It is moderately tolerant of salinity and not very winter hardy. It is a low risk of becoming a weed in Western Canada.

Seeds/pound: 140,000 Seeds/sq ft/pound of seed: 3.8

Uses:

  • Nitrogen builder
  • Hay source
  • Intercropping
  • Erosion control
  • Weed suppression
  • Grazing
  • Pollinator attracter

Strengths:

  • Nitrogen fixation
  • Hay quality
  • Good grazing
  • More drought tolerant than Berseem

Concerns:

Rots quickly in spring releasing nitrogen maybe too quickly, slight bloat risk, will not tolerate long periods of drought, slow plant establishment.

Grazing:

Grazes well, but leave 3-4” (7-10 cm) to help regrowth.

Hay:

High quality hay but relatively lower yielding compared to Berseem or Crimson.

Mycorrhizal support? Yes