Crimson clover

Trifolium incarnatum

Short to medium statured, nitrogen-fixing annual legume with long bright scarlet flowers. Prefers fertile, well-drained sand to clay soils. Intolerant of poor drainage and high alkalinity. Acidity tolerance is higher than White clover (T. repens) and Red clover (T. pratense). More productive at lower temperatures than most other clovers; popular winter annual pasture in many southern states. Use for hay, pasture and as a silage companion crop. Less bloat risk than white clover or Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Also use for firebreaks, green manure and as a self-seeding, weed suppressing cover crop in vineyards and orchards. Excellent in wildlife food plot mixes, including deer and wild turkeys. Flowers attract native bees, honeybees and beneficial insects. May become weedy, invading nearby areas; till, cut or graze before seed-set where necessary.