It has a shallow root system, however, and lacks sufficient drought tolerance to survive prolonged dry spells. Because of bloat hazard and low midsummer yield of ladino, birdsfoot trefoil is a preferred pasture species. Common white Dutch, English wild white, and natural wild white clovers are names given to the small, low-growing strains of white clover. They are persistent even when pastures are grazed short and frequently. They all yield less than ladino clover and are more susceptible to drought.
Kentucky bluegrass is most productive in the spring or during periods of cool, moist weather.
It grows best on fertile, well-drained soils. Although slow to establish, it spreads by underground rhizomes and forms as a dense sod. In New York, tall fescue is used primarily for conservation purposes. Palatability in hot, dry periods is relatively low. It grows well on poorly drained or well-drained soils and spreads slowly by underground stems to form a tough sod, very tolerant of treading by animals.