Alsike Clover
Trifolium hybridum
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Krym, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Spain, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Ivar Leidus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Trifolium
- Species:
- Trifolium hybridum
- USDA Symbol:
- TRHY
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica), Ancylis metamelana, Coleophora deauratella, Grapholita conversana, Green Cloverworm Moth (Hypena scabra), Greenish Blue (Plebejus saepiolus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus), Half-black bumble bee (Bombus vagans), Hunt's bumble bee (Bombus huntii), Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons), Yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola) Butterflies:Greenish Blue (Plebejus saepiolus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cool, temperate climates
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; soak in warm water for 12 hours to improve germination.