Clover

Plants of the genus Trifolium, natural family Leguminosa, of wide geographical distribution; known also as Trefoil; next to the gra es the most important forage plants of the U. S. Other closely related plants are ALFALFA, LESPEDEZA, and SAINFOIN (q.v.). Three or four species of clover are in general cultivation throughout the n. portion of the U. S. Red Clover ( T. pratense ), the largest and most important, is a biennial, and is valuable for both pasture and hay; A, White Clover ( Trifolium repens ). B, Red Clover ( Trifolium pratense). two varieties are known, medium and mammoth or pea-vine clover. Alsike Clover ( T. hybridum ), supposed to be a hybrid between red and white clover, is of medium size, and is also used for both pasture and hay; it will thrive on poorer land than red clover. White Clover ( T. repens ) is a perennial of low creeping habit, and mainly valuable for pasture. Alsike Clover and White Clover are important honey-producing plants. Crimson Clover ( T. in carn a tum ), an annual, has been recently introduced in the Southern-Middle States.