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

Publications

• Forage Identification and Use Guide
• Grain & Forage Crop Guide for Kentucky
• Growing Red Clover in Kentucky