Alsike Clover

Trifolium hybridum

Physical Characteristics

Trifolium hybridum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Leaves and flower heads - raw or cooked. Boiled, or after soaking for several hours in salty water[183]. A delightful and healthful tea is made from the dried flower heads[183]. They are usually mixed with other teas[183]. The dried flower heads and seeds can be ground into a nutritious flour[183].

Medicinal Uses

Galactogogue A cold infusion of the plant has been used as a wash on the breasts of a nursing mother in order to increase the milk flow[257].

Known Hazards

None known