Timothy

General Description

Timothy is a widely adapted, cool season perennial bunchgrass. It is best adapted to cooler, higher rainfall regions or wetter areas. It is considered hardy and reliable, but does not tolerate drought well. Timothy persists in a stand long-term through self seeding and seedling establishment. 

Timothy roots are wide spreading, shallow and fibrous with heaviest concentration of roots within top 7.5 cm (3 in) of soil. Swollen bulbs or corms develop just below the surface and store nutrients for winter survival and regrowth after cutting or grazing. Timothy has strong tall stems up to 120 cm (47 in) tall. Leaves are hairless and rolled during the bud stage. They are relatively wide, up to 12 mm, and flat. The seed head is a spike of densely packed, bristle-like spikelets, each producing a tiny, dark brown seed. 

Type

Tame grass.

Origin

Europe. Most varieties used in Canada come from American breeders.

Longevity

At least 5 years to 10 years depending on the location and management. Within the Peace River Region, timothy is considered a very long-lived grass with stands 20 years old.

10+ years depending on the location and management.

Use

Pasture, hay. In the Peace River Region timothy is also used for stockpiled grazing due to its high adaptability in the region. There is a select timothy hay export and pet food market that continues to grow.

Pasture, hay, silage, stockpiled grazing. There is a select timothy hay export and pet food market that continues to grow.

Optimal Time of Use

Summer; some fall use soil zone dependant. Hay the first cut between the headed and blooming. Second cut of a lower yield may be taken or regrowth may be grazed. Timothy is often grazed early in summer for most livestock but graze after stem elongation. Growth slows later in the summer but can be lightly re-grazed. Once the plant is dormant, timothy stands can be grazed in late fall and winter, but it does not hold its feed quality.

Recovery After Use

Requires a minimum 60-80 days of recovery after use. Timothy responds best to a full season of rest in the black soil zone (used once). Leave at least 10 cm (4 in) of grassy residue to aid in regrowth. Timothy regrows slowly if cut or grazed in late summer. Because timothy is not sod producing, it is intolerant of grazing hoof damage. Fall grazing should be light as nutrient reserves are accumulated in the corms (root bulbs) for winter.

Leave at least 10 cm (4 in) of grassy residue to aid in regrowth. Timothy regrows slowly if cut or grazed in late summer. Because timothy is not sod producing, it is intolerant of grazing hoof damage. Fall grazing should be light as nutrient reserves are accumulated in the corms (root bulbs) for winter.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

If used early in the season before flowering, timothy has good quality, 11% crude protein, and 61% digestibility. Timothy pasture is very palatable in the vegetative stage. At later growth stages, quality and nutritional value decline rapidly. Overall, a highly palatable and preferred species for cattle and horses.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

400mm / 1650mm

Drought Tolerance

Generally poor drought tolerance. Although some varieties have some drought hardiness, most timothy cannot tolerate short periods of moisture stress.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 2-5 weeks of spring flooding. There are differing views in the literature on its tolerance to flooding later in the growing season. Timothy does grow well on moister soils.

Winter Hardiness

Good to excellent tolerance. Winter hardiness is enhanced with adequate snow cover.

Soil Texture Preference

Timothy is well adapted for all soil textures when moisture is plentiful (Grey or Black soils).

Erosion Control

Moderate erosion control. Timothy is noted for use in wetland upland areas when seeded with other species.

Salinity Tolerance

Not tolerant.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. Timothy tolerates soil pH as low as 4.5.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low tolerance.

Seeds per kg

2,564,000 seeds/kg (1,163,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Timothy is often grown as a pure stand for premium hay. It can be seeded in a mix with legumes such as alfalfa, alsike clover, red clover or birdsfoot trefoil. In the Peace River Region, timothy is usually include it in most mixes at 5-10% as it establishes very well in the low wet spots of the field.

Timothy is often grown as a pure stand for premium hay. It can be seeded in a mix with legumes such as alfalfa, alsike clover, red clover or birdsfoot trefoil.

Ease of Establishment

The small seeds of timothy must be seeded shallow for establishment. Timothy is relatively easy to establish early in the spring. Heat and drought will cause seedlings to die.

Competitiveness

Poor to moderate competitiveness while establishing so weeds must be managed. Timothy has moderate competitiveness once established. Timothy can co-exist with native species where it is well adapted, but it generally is not considered invasive.

Management Considerations

Drought tolerance is the major limitation with timothy. Timothy responds positively to fertilization. Allow timothy to drop seed occassionally to increase stand longevity. Timothy is best rotationally grazed but can be difficult to manage to not graze too early or during stem elongation and to consider that regrowth potential is low.

British Columbia Rangeland Seeding Manual, Saskatchewan Dryland Forage Species Adaptation Tool, USDA Plants Database, Manitoba Forage Adaptation and Comparison Guide, Alberta Forage Manual, Publication 30-OMAFRA

Timothy is adapted to the Sub-Boreal Spruce, Sub-Boreal Pine-Spruce and Interior Cedar-Hemlock zones. In the southern part of the Central Interior region, it is adapted to wetter parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone and to irrigated and subirrigated areas in the Bunchgrass zone and drier parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone.

Timothy is adapted to the wetter parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone and the Interior Cedar-Hemlock zone, and to irrigated and subirrigated areas in the Bunchgrass, Ponderosa Pine zones and drier parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone.

Some timothy stands managed for seed production in the Peace-Liard region have been established for 18 years or more.
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Reed Canarygrass

General Description

Reed canarygrass is a well-adapted, long-lived, cool season, perennial native grass with many tame varieties. It grows best in wet areas but also can tolerate some moist upland areas. This grass often grows on wet sites, and can indicate high soil moisture conditions where periodic flooding can occur for extended periods of time. Extensive sod-forming root systems are produced by crowns below the soil surface. The plant may appear to be bunched but actually produces large diameter, short rhizomes, which in turn produce new shoots and roots. 

Stems are coarse and erect, growing up to 200 cm (79 in) tall. Leaves are pale green, large, flat, and wide up to 20 mm (3/4 in) wide. The spikelets of the seed head cluster alternately up the stem, producing purplish flowers. Seed shatters very easily, and germination ability declines soon after being shed. Select a tame reed canarygrass variety with low alkaloid levels for the best palatability and animal health. 

Type

Native grass. Tame grass (introduced cultivars).

Origin

Native to North America. Varieties used in Canada originate from both North America and Europe. It is thought the hybridization of introduced and North American types has produced aggressive plants in central and western North America.

Longevity

At least 20 years.

At least 10 years.

Use

Pasture, hay, reclamation. As a high yielding grass with good regrowth it may be hayed in a two-cut system or grazed after haying.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer, fall. Established stands can be grazed several times during the season, if kept in vegetative growth stages. Easily managed under rotational grazing, and more difficult to manage well under continuous grazing. As soon as reed canarygrass heads out, stems mature and become coarse causing a sharp decline in palatability. Hay at boot to heading to allow for quality and regrowth for a two-cut haying system.

Recovery After Use

Requires a minimum 30-45 days of recovery after use. Allow regrowth of about 30 cm (12 in) before regrazing lightly. Stands (sod-forming) resist animal traffic and hoof action but close grazing can slow growth.

Allow regrowth of about 30 cm (12 in) before regrazing lightly. Stands (sod-forming) resist animal traffic and hoof action but close grazing can slow growth.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Crude protein of 12 to 15% and digestibility ranges from 55 to 65% early in the season, but protein and digestibility drop dramatically later in the season. Timing of use is important with reed canarygrass- in the vegetative stage palatability is high. As stems develop palatability decreases drastically and quality falls. Use alkaloid-free varieties registered in Canada to avoid problems with livestock grazing and alkaloid toxicity.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

350mm / 1650mm- Requires high soil moisture.

Drought Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Flooding Tolerance

Withstands 5 weeks or more of flooding and grows well in waterlogged soils. It is best adapted to wet areas but can grow on moist upland areas.

Winter Hardiness

Good hardiness. Improved by allowing 4 weeks rest from grazing before killing frosts.

Soil Texture Preference

Most suited to loam through clay soils, but can adapt to any other soils where moisture is available. Most often seen in floodplains, creeks, sloughs, and riparian areas. Can be grown on moist uplands (Black and Grey soils).

Most suited to loam through clay soils, but can adapt to any other soils where moisture is available. Most often seen in floodplains, creeks, sloughs, and riparian areas.

Erosion Control

High erosion control. Thick sod and high competitive ability make this a good candidate for erosion control, especially in waterways and wetter areas.

Salinity Tolerance

Slight tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

High tolerance. Tolerates soil pH values as low as 5.0.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Seeds per kg

1,186,000 seeds/kg (538,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Seed with moisture tolerant legumes for hay or grazing. Often seeded as a monoculture in floodplains or riparian areas. Mixes will with bird’s foot trefoil, red clover for wet areas, and meadow brome grass and alfalfa for undulating topography.

Ease of Establishment

Since reed canarygrass seedlings cannot tolerate flooding, mid-summer seeding is optimal when soil moisture levels are lower and the chance of flooding is reduced. Stands can be thin in early years, but eventually fill in from strong rhizomatous growth. Young stands should not be grazed until they are well established and have developed a dense sod. When establishing new stands, use of pedigreed seed rather than common seed will reduce problems with alkaloids by ensuring that the alkaloid-free varieties are “true to variety”.

Competitiveness

Low competitiveness in early years, but highly competitive and aggressive once it is established. Invasiveness in many situations is considered moderate, as it can escape from pastures and spread into riparian areas, waterways, and wetlands.

Management Considerations

Seek out newer, alkaloid-free varieties for forage uses, or carefully manage the grazing period to avoid alkaloid toxicity in animals. Watch for alkaloid issues in stands established before the development of newer alkaloid-free varieties, especially during drought stress. Fencing wetter areas with reed canarygrass separately can help ensure that these areas are grazed properly to stay vegetative for maximum palatability. Older upland stands can be occasionally spiked, coultered, or knifed to cut roots and rhizomes and stimulate new growth.

British Columbia Rangeland Seeding Manual, Saskatchewan Dryland Forage Species Adaptation Tool, USDA Plants Database, Manitoba Forage Adaptation and Comparison Guide, Alberta Forage Manual

Reed canarygrass is adapted to all zones in the Central Interior where the site provides sufficent moisture, e.g., non-saline subirrigated meadows.

Reed canarygrass is adapted to all zones in the Southern Interior if the site provides sufficent moisture; non-saline subirrigated meadows, for example.
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Birdsfoot Trefoil

General Description

Birdsfoot trefoil is a perennial non-bloat legume. It is highly adapted to grow in a range of challenging conditions including infertile soils, soils with high acidity or poor drainage, and poorly prepared seed beds. It can persist in a long-lived stand when allowed to set seed.

It has a wide crown and taproot, intermediate in depth between alfalfa and red clover. Roots sometimes develop from older stems that have soil contact. 

The plant produces many fine stems or branches from the crown, which can grow up to 75 cm (30 in) long. Plants can be erect or prostrate. Birdsfoot trefoil has compound leaves with paired leaflets up the stalk and a single leaflet at the tip. Flowers initially form on lower branches and continue up the stem. Flowers are a brilliant yellow and found in clusters of 2 to 8. The name is derived from the way the pods form at right angles to the stem, looking like a bird’s foot. 

Type

Tame legume.

Origin

Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Canadian varieties were developed and selected for winter hardiness.

Longevity

Less than 5 years. However, long-lived stands are found frequently where seed set is encouraged and stands are managed for improved winter survival through snow cover, litter cover, and managed grazing intensity.

Use

Pasture, hay. Best suited for pasture, especially in higher rainfall areas. Although used for hay, leaf loss after cutting and difficulty curing are noted for birdsfoot trefoil.

Optimal Time of Use

Spring, summer, fall. A full canopy of leaves and ground cover must be produced before spring grazing. The plant needs late season rest to build root carbohydrate reserves. Hay quality and yield are maximized at early bloom. May be prone to winterkill if grazed on during the winter (eg. bale grazing). 

Recovery After Use

Requires an average 45-60 days recovery following grazing (30 days under good conditions). If continually grazed, crowns may be damaged. Birdsfoot trefoil grows from existing green plant material so it is important to leave at least 10 cm (4 in) of leafy residue for regrowth. Should be rested in late summer and fall and allow some seed to set at least every 2 to 3 years to allow for seed production and ensure stand replacement.

If continually grazed, crowns may be damaged. Birdsfoot trefoil grows from existing green plant material so it is important to leave at least 10 cm (4 in) of leafy residue for regrowth. Should be rested in late summer and fall and allow some seed to set at least every 2 to 3 years to allow for seed production and ensure stand replacement. Trefoil has a fall rest period that is about 10 days earlier than alfalfa’s at any given location.

Yield

Yields a lower quantity of forage than alfalfa, but of a higher quality longer into the growing season. Birdsfoot trefoil retains its quality longer into later maturity stages because of better leaf retention and indeterminate growth (i.e., response to current season’s growing conditions).

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Very palatable and non-bloating for ruminants. Feed value is similar to alfalfa. Crude protein at full bloom is approximately 9%. Standing birdsfoot trefoil retains quality (leaf retention and continued growth) better than standing alfalfa.

Very palatable and non-bloating for ruminants. Feed value is similar to alfalfa. Crude protein at full bloom is approximately 9%. Standing birdsfoot trefoil retains quality (leaf retention and continued growth) better than standing alfalfa. Research from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has shown that cattle have higher average daily gains on pastures that contain trefoil as the legume compared to alfalfa-based mixes. This may be due to the higher sugar: crude protein ratio in trefoil, which may improve the digestive efficiency of rumen bacteria. It is also possible that higher gains were achieved due to the condensed tannins found in trefoil, which increase the amount of rumen undegradable protein in the forage.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

400mm / 600mm

Drought Tolerance

Fair drought tolerance. Birdsfoot trefoil is adapted best to higher moisture soil zones, but can withstand some drought with its deep taproot.

Flooding Tolerance

Can tolerate 2-5 weeks of flooding, and tolerate wet soils throughout the year.

Winter Hardiness

Variable (poor to good). Winter survival is improved by deep snow cover and adequate rest before frost to protect the plant’s crown.

Soil Texture Preference

Adapted to moist sandy loam to clay soils. Adapted to waterlogged soils or conditions of poor fertility.

Erosion Control

Poor ability to control erosion. However, birdsfoot trefoil is well suited to grow on poor soils.

Salinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Acidity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. Similar to alsike clover.

Seeds per kg

815,000 seeds/kg (370,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Grasses such as timothy, tall fescue, northern wheatgrass or western wheatgrass have all been successfully seeded with birdsfoot trefoil. Lower growing grasses or legumes may also pair well with birdsfoot trefoil. Pure stands may be desired for short rotations (as persistence may be questionable).

Grasses such as timothy, tall fescue, meadow fescue, orchardgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and meadow brome have all been successfully seeded with birdsfoot trefoil. Lower growing grasses or legumes may also pair well with birdsfoot trefoil. Pure stands may be desired for short rotations (as persistence may be questionable).

Ease of Establishment

Birdsfoot trefoil seedlings grow slow initially but establish well under good growing conditions with use in the year following seeding. Establishment is enhanced with shallow seeding (3-6 mm/ 1/4 in), control of weeds, and seeding without a cover crop. Seedlings can have weak roots that are sensitive to shade.

Competitiveness

May be more competitive under ‘adverse’ conditions such as acidity or low fertility. Considered weedy or invasive in some regions including along roadsides, field margins, and in urban locations.

Management Considerations

Inoculate seed to enhance nitrogen production. It requires its own specific Rhizobium loti inoculant to fix nitrogen. To improve establishment and longevity, do not graze or cut before full bloom in the first year of establishment. Leave 7 or 8 cm (3 in) or more stubble after grazing as birdsfoot trefoil regrows from existing growth. Do not graze too early in spring or in late summer, 6 weeks before first frost, and allow to set seed every 2 to 3 years to facilitate stand persistence. Birdsfoot trefoil is a great species choice to improve soil conditions without causing bloat in grazing livestock.

Inoculate seed to enhance nitrogen production. It requires its own specific Rhizobium loti inoculant to fix nitrogen. To improve establishment and longevity, do not graze or cut before full bloom in the first year of establishment. Leave 7 or 8 cm (3 in) or more stubble after grazing as birdsfoot trefoil regrows from existing growth. Do not graze too early in spring or in late summer, 7-8 weeks before first frost, and allow to set seed every 2 to 3 years to facilitate stand persistence. Birdsfoot trefoil is a great species choice to improve soil conditions without causing bloat in grazing livestock.

British Columbia Rangeland Seeding Manual, Saskatchewan Dryland Forage Species Adaptation Tool, USDA Plants Database, Alberta Forage Manual, Manitoba Forage Adaptation and Comparison Guide 

British Columbia Rangeland Seeding Manual, Saskatchewan Dryland Forage Species Adaptation Tool, USDA Plants Database, Alberta Forage Manual, Manitoba Forage Adaptation and Comparison Guide, Publication 30 (OMAFRA) BÉLANGER, G., G.F. TREMBLAY, Y.A. PAPADOPOULOS, J. DUYNISVELD, J. LAJEUNESSE, C. LAFRENIÈRE et S.A.E. FILLMORE. 2017. « Yield and Nutritive Value of Binary Legume-Grass Mixtures Under Grazing or Frequent Cutting », dans Canadian Journal of Plant Science, vol. 98, no 2, 2017, p. 395-407.

Birdsfoot trefoil is adapted to the Sub-Boreal Spruce, Sub-Boreal Pine-Spruce and Interior Cedar-Hemlock zones. In the southern part of the Central Interior it is adapted to wetter parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone, and to irrigated and subirrigated areas in the Bunchgrass zone and dry parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone. New varieties have better establishment characteristics and are better adapted for pasture use.

Birdsfoot trefoil has limited dryland adaptability and is suited to wetter areas in the region (i.e., the Interior Cedar-Hemlock Zone and wetter parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone) or to irrigated or subirrigated areas in the Bunchgrass, Ponderosa Pine and Interior Douglas-fir zones. New varieties have better establishment characteristics and are better adapted for pasture use.

Birdsfoot trefoil is not noted for its winter-hardiness however, there are examples of long-lived stands in the Peace-Liard region. Snow cover is important for winter survival. Birdsfoot trefoil may be worthy of consideration on sites that have insufficient drainage for alfalfa. New varieties have better establishment characteristics and are better adapted for pasture use.
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Alsike Clover

General Description

Alsike clover is a fast-growing, generally short-lived perennial clover adapted to the moist acidic soils of the Black, Dark Grey and Grey soils. Most commonly, hardier diploid varieties are grown in Western Canada, but there are also tetraploid types (double the number of chromosomes) with taller plants, larger leaves, and flowers.

Alsike clover has erect to semi-erect, slender, weak stems that grow to 60 cm (24 in). These stems are indeterminate (continually growing) and may become quite long. Both the stems and leaf are hairless. The leaflets are finely toothed with 3 attached at a single point. Alsike clover can often be distinguished from other clovers by the lack of the “V-shaped” watermark (very prominent on leaves of red clover). It has globe-shaped, compact, cross-pollinated flower heads, which form at leaf axils that are pink to white. Alsike clover has well-developed crowns and shallow, non-creeping taproots.

Alsike clover is a fast-growing, generally short-lived perennial clover. Alsike clover has erect to semi-erect, slender, weak stems that grow to 60 cm (24 in). These stems are indeterminate (continually growing) and may become quite long. Both the stems and leaf are hairless. The leaflets are finely toothed with 3 attached at a single point. Alsike clover can often be distinguished from other clovers by the lack of the “V-shaped” watermark (very prominent on leaves of red clover). It has globe-shaped, compact, cross-pollinated flower heads, which form at leaf axils that are pink to white. Alsike clover has well-developed crowns and shallow, non-creeping taproots.

Type

Tame legume.

Origin

Northern Europe. Varieties grown and developed in Canada from 1932 onward.

Longevity

Less than 5 years is standard. However, with crown survival or seed set, alsike clover can persist and live at least 10 years in cool, moist areas of northern or high-altitudes regions. Older stands are common.

Use

Pasture, hay, reclamation. Alsike clover has a higher risk of causing bloat in the lush, vegetative stage. Alsike clover is used for site rehabilitation and soil improvement in forestry contexts and in areas with moist, acidic soils.

Optimal Time of Use

Summer, fall. Alsike clover is hayed at early to full bloom, with regrowth often grazed later. Time grazing to begin once the full canopy develops. While alsike clover can tolerate frequent, close grazing, it has poor tolerance to animal traffic. Short-duration, rotational grazing is optimal for alsike clover.

Recovery After Use

Although alsike clover has indeterminate growth (continually growing), it requires time to build root reserves after grazing and for the last 4-6 weeks in the growing season.

Requires 45-60 days for recovery. Although alsike clover has indeterminate growth (continually growing), it requires time to build root reserves after grazing and for the last 4-6 weeks in the growing season.

Yield

Yields are lower than alfalfa or red clover. Quality of forage is good, and longer lasting than red clover. Alsike produces most of its growth in June. Performance is not consistent from year to year, and adding alsike to a mixture usually lowers yields.

Palatability/Nutritional Value

Alsike clover is very palatable, but can cause bloat, especially in vegetative stages. The risk to cause bloat in grazing livestock is lower than alfalfa and similar to red clover. Alsike clover has a crude protein of approximately 22% and digestibility of 65%. Alsike clover can cause photosensitization and clover poisoning in cattle, sheep, and especially horses, a common problem in the Peace Region.

Alsike clover is very palatable, but can cause bloat, especially in vegetative stages. The risk to cause bloat in grazing livestock is lower than alfalfa and similar to red clover. Alsike clover has a crude protein of approximately 22% and digestibility of 65%. Alsike clover can cause photosensitization and clover poisoning in cattle, sheep, and especially horses.

Annual Precipitation min/max (mm)

400mm / 1500mm

Drought Tolerance

Low tolerance. Requires steady moisture.

Flooding Tolerance

Alsike clover grows best when flooded 2-5 weeks in the spring and can grow in excess moisture conditions or on soils with poor drainage.

Winter Hardiness

Good winter hardiness. If crowns are damaged alsike clover can winterkill.

Soil Texture Preference

Alsike clover does especially well on moist clay to loam soils. It can do well on both peaty (organic) and inorganic soils. 

Erosion Control

Little ability to control erosion. Alsike clover may be included in a mix to enhance poorer soil.

Salinity Tolerance

Not saline tolerant.

Acidity Tolerance

Moderate tolerance. Tolerates low acidity with noted pH tolerances of 5.6 to 5.0. Forage specialists indicate alsike clover is similar but slightly less tolerance to acidity than red clover.

Alkalinity Tolerance

Low to moderate tolerance.

Seeds per kg

1,500,000 seeds/kg (680,000 seeds/lb)

Suggested Mixtures

Normally grown in a mix with less competitive grasses such as timothy and meadow bromegrass. Mix with grass for hay to enhance standability and speed windrow dry-down.

Ease of Establishment

Alsike clover is easy to establish but must be seeded shallow (6 mm or 1/4 in). Seedlings can establish in areas where minimal land preparation has occurred. Volunteer establishment can occur and is useful to allow stands to persist long-term. In the first years of production (year after establishment) the proportion of alsike clover can be difficult to manage as it tends to dominate the stand.

Competitiveness

Vigorous and can overtake an area during the first years of production. Crowns naturally breakdown quickly in a stand, so seed set is needed to keep a stand competitive. In the Peace River Region alsike clover spreads easily by seed due to a large, existing soil seedbank.

Vigorous and can overtake an area during the first years of production. Crowns naturally breakdown quickly in a stand, so seed set is needed to keep a stand competitive.

Management Considerations

Allow alsike clover to set seed to establish new plants. Grazing livestock should be monitored for photosensitization and clover poisoning (horses) and bloat (ruminants). Inoculate with Rhizobium trifolii for best nodulation and nitrogen fixing. Alsike thrives in cool, moist areas and may be a good fit for flooded and saturated areas.

Allow alsike clover to set seed to establish new plants. Grazing livestock should be monitored for photosensitization and clover poisoning (horses) and bloat (ruminants). Inoculate with Rhizobium trifolii for best nodulation and nitrogen fixing. Alsike thrives in cool, moist areas and may be a good fit for flooded and saturated areas.

British Columbia Rangeland Seeding Manual, Saskatchewan Dryland Forage Species Adaptation Tool, USDA Plants Database, Alberta Forage Manual, Manitoba Forage Adaptation and Comparison Guide

British Columbia Rangeland Seeding Manual, Saskatchewan Dryland Forage Species Adaptation Tool, USDA Plants Database, Alberta Forage Manual, Manitoba Forage Adaptation and Comparison Guide, OMAFRA Publication 30

Alsike clover is less drought tolerant than white clover, and is less tolerant of hot temperatures. This limits its suitability to the Interior Cedar-Hemlock, wetter parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone, and to higher elevation irrigated and subirrigated areas in the Bunchgrass, Ponderosa Pine and dry Interior Douglas-fir zones.

Alsike clover is adapted to the Sub-Boreal Spruce, Sub-Boreal Pine-Spruce, and Interior Cedar-Hemlock zones. It is less drought tolerant than white clover, and is less tolerant of hot temperatures. In the southern part of the Central Interior it is suited to wetter parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone, and to irrigated and subirrigated areas in the Bunchgrass zone and dry parts of the Interior Douglas-fir zone.
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