If you want to print this publication, we recommend downloading the PDF version. Red clover is an herbaceous perennial or biennial legume with erect, leafy stems that originate from a thick crown andterminate with a flower head. Height at maturity is about 2 feet. Both leaves and stems usually are hairy. Flowers are pink-purple or magenta.
Red clover has a branched taproot and extensive surface roots.
When used in annual rotations, fall and winter growth is slow, but spring growth is rapid. Uses Red clover is used successfully in Oregon as a fall-planted cover crop and green manure in rotations with vegetable crops. Vigorous spring growth is effective for suppressing weeds. Often grown with cereal grains. Tolerates frozen soils.