Crimson clover is an erect annual legume that grows up to two and a half feet tall. Its foliage is light-green and covered with soft hairs. In spring, crimson clover is easily identified by its oblong, bright crimson-colored flower at the end of the erect hairy stem. Crimson clover has a short growing season which results in lower seed production but does allow for a faster plot setup.

Planting

Generally planted in the fall, crimson clover will grow slowly over the fall and winter. Its leaves will form a low rosette clump. Come springtime, crimson clover will develop its tall, erect flowers stems and its node covered leaves. If provided sufficient moisture and allowed to mature, crimson clover will reseed well on its own. To ensure maximum output, soil pH should range from five to seven. Crimson clover will grow in a wide range of soils as evidenced by its ability to grow in locations ranging from sandy to well drained clay soils. Conversely, crimson clover will fair poorly on soils high in calcium carbonate or soils with poor drainage. Crimson clover can be planted by drilling the soil or by broadcasting on the surface.

Uses
Crimson clover offers a high protein supply which provides deer with needed nutrients for antler growth. Aside form white-tail deer, turkey also rely upon crimson clover as a food source. If planted in the fall, crimson clover will provide excellent supplies of late winter or early spring forage for livestock. Due to its fast germination, crimson clover can even provide late fall forage if planted at the first onset of the fall season. If planted for a winter growing season, crimson clover is well suited to act as a green manure in rotation between soybeans, small grain, orchard crops, and more.