Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum, Sp. Pl.: 766 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 766 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trifolium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to Iran

Description

Alsike clover, known scientifically as Trifolium hybridum, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This versatile and robust plant is indigenous to a broad region stretching from the Mediterranean to Iran.

First described in 1753 in Linnaeus’s seminal work Species Plantarum, Alsike clover has since become a staple in various agricultural settings. The name Trifolium hybridum reflects the plant’s unique characteristics, making it a hybrid-like member within its genus. The genus name Trifolium indicates the plant’s typical trifoliate leaves, which is a defining characteristic of clovers.

Alsike clover is particularly valued for its adaptability and resilience. It thrives in well-drained soils and can endure a range of climatic conditions, from wet and marshy environments to moderately dry areas. This adaptability makes it a favored choice for forage in pastures and hay production, contributing to improved soil fertility due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities—a common trait within the Fabaceae family.

The plant produces abundant pink to white blooms that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of fields and meadows but also provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, thereby supporting local ecosystems. Farmers appreciate Alsike clover for its relatively low maintenance requirements, good resistance to diseases, and ability to coexist well with other grasses and legumes in mixed swards.

In agricultural contexts, Alsike clover plays a crucial role in crop rotations and green manuring. Its deep root system helps in preventing soil erosion and improving soil structure by enhancing aeration and moisture retention. This eventually leads to increased productivity of subsequent crops planted in the same fields.

Furthermore, Alsike clover’s historical and botanical significance adds to its acclaim. Its documentation by Linnaeus in 1753 underscores its long-standing importance within plant taxonomy and agricultural science. The species’ wide-ranging distribution from the Mediterranean region to Iran highlights its adaptability and the ecological value it adds across various landscapes.

In summary, Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) is a highly beneficial plant that offers multiple advantages for agriculture, ecology, and horticulture. Its resilience, nitrogen-fixing ability, and attractiveness to pollinators make it an indispensable component of sustainable farming practices worldwide.

Common Names

Eng: alsike clover, hybrid clover, swedish clover, spanish clover
Dan: alsike-kløver
Deu: bastard-klee, bastardklee, gewöhnlicher schwedenklee, schweden-klee, schwedenklee, schöner schweden-klee
Nld: basterdklaver
Fin: alsikeapila
Swe: alsikeapila, alsikeklöver
Lav: bastarda
Nno: fôrkløver
Nob: fôrkløver
Ces: jetel zvrhlý
Por: trevo-híbrido
Ita: trifoglio ibrido
Fra: trèfle bâtard, trèfle hybride, trèfle alsike
Spa: trébol híbrido
Cym: meillionen alsike, meillionen sweden
En: Alsike clover, Swedish clover, Hybrid clover, Alsike, Spanish clover
Ar: نفل سويدي
Be: Канюшына ружовая
Bg: Хибридна детелина
Zh: Za zhong che zhou cao, 杂种车轴草
Cs: Jetel zvrhlý
Da: Alsike-Kløver
Nl: Basterdklaver, Alsikeklaver, Bastaard Klaver, Bastaardklaver, Zweedse Klaver
Et: Roosa ristik
Fi: Alsikeapila
Fr: Trèfle bâtard, Trèfle hybride, Tréfle alsike, Trèfle alsike
De: Schwedenklee, Bastardklee, Gewöhnlicher Schwedenklee, Schweden-Klee, Bastard-Klee, Schöner Schweden-Klee, Schweden Klee
Is: Alsíkusmári
Ga: Ailsice
It: Trifoglio ibrido
Ja: Tachi-oranda-genge
Lv: Bastarda
Lt: Rausvasis dobilas
Mk: Розова детелина
Nb: Fôrkløver
Nn: Fôrkløver
Fa: شبدر دورگ
Pl: Koniczyna białoróżowa
Pt: Trevo-híbrido
Ru: Клевер гибридный
Es: Trébol híbrido, Trébol bastardo, Trébol hibrido, Trébol negro, Trébol sueco
Sv: Alsikeklöver, Alsikeapila
Zh-tw: 雜種車軸草
Tr: İsveç üçgülü
Uk: Конюшина гібридна
Cy: Meillionen Fawr-orweddol, Meillionen Alsike, Meillionen Sweden

Synonyms

• Trifolium elegans subsp. hybridum ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Amoria hybrida ((L.) C.Presl)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Altay (introduced)
• Amur (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Buryatiya (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Chita (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• Falkland Is. (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Inner Mongolia (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Irkutsk (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kamchatka (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Khabarovsk (introduced)
• Kirgizstan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Krasnoyarsk (introduced)
• Kuril Is. (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Labrador (introduced)
• Magadan (introduced)
• Manchuria (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Sakhalin (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Tuva (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Siberia (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Xinjiang (introduced)
• Yakutskiya (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Ollie Gut (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Jeanine Vialatte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Belinda Simoes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2019 by Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Frozy

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by yvon s (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2020 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Ace Ferrie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2020 by Grzegorz Kwiatkowski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2020 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2019 by Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Daniel CAHEN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by mohammad fazel dehkordi (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trifolium hybridum L.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6109535)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30240399-2)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Crown

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.6

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 6