Egyptian Clover

Scientific Name: Trifolium alexandrinum L.

Classification: Plantae/ Tracheobionta / Spermatophyta / Magnoliophyta / Magnoliopsida / Rosidae / Fabales / Fabaceae / Leguminosae / Trifolium L./ Trifolium alexandrinum L.

Egyptian Clover
General Information
Usda SymbolTRAL6
GroupDicot
Life CycleAnnual
Growth HabitsForb/herb
Native LocationsTRAL6

Plant Guide

Description

General: Berseem clover is in the plant family Fabaceae (Legume Family), It is an introduced cool-season annual legume that originated from the eastern Mediterranean region, Berseem clover grows upright to a height of 18 to 31 inches, with hollow stems, Leaves are trifoliate with oblong, non-hairy leaflets typically in groups of three, Root system is fibrous and typically reach a depth of 4 to 6 inches, Flowers are round and white to yellowish-white in color, Blooms in late spring to early summer, and generally flowers later than crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L,), Flowers are primarily self-pollinated; however, cross pollination is needed for good seed production (McGregor, 1976; Dixit et al,, 1989), Seed is oblong rounded in shape; roughly 5/64” in length and goldish yellow in color, Distribution: Berseem clover is grown as a winter annual in the Southeast with a northern boundary of Kentucky and western boundary of east Texas, and along the West Coast where rainfall limits its range in the coastal region, It is also grown as a summer annual in the Northeast from the Atlantic shore to eastern Montana, with a southern boundary of the Ohio river, It provides good spring forage for livestock in the drier regions of the U,S, when grown under irrigation, For current distribution in the USA, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site, Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Egyptian Clover.,

Adaptation

Berseem clover grows best on fertile soil, medium to heavy textured soils of mildly acidic to neutral soil pH. It tolerates poor drainage and brief periods of waterlogging (Clark et al., 2007; Hackney et al., 2007); however, in comparison to crimson clover, berseem performed better under wet soil conditions, as observed in 2020, at the USDA-NRCS Booneville, Arkansas Plant Materials Center (ARPMC). Berseem clover does not perform as well as other crops under dry conditions, requiring a minimum average annual rainfall of 21 to 29 inches; performs best with adequate moisture, especially during establishment (Clark et al., 2007). Berseem clover has moderate tolerance of salinity soils. Cold tolerance is slight to moderate with older cultivars rarely surviving temperatures below 25°F (McGregor, 1976; Clark et al., 2007). However, new cultivars have improved cold tolerance with survivability at temperatures near 5°F (Mushrush, 2018). ‘Big Bee’ and ‘Frosty’ survived winter temperatures of -11°F with snow cover, and 10°F without snow cover in February 2021 at the ARPMC. There was no visual winter damage observed on the plants the following spring. ‘Balady’ exhibited moderate visible winter damage. Berseem clover is recommended for plant hardness zone 6b; (Clark et al., 2007; Anderson, 2016). Berseem clover does not tolerate shade (Ehret et al., 2015).

Uses

Cover Crop: Berseem clover establishes quickly to protect the soil against erosion and suppress weeds. Fibrous roots aids in retrieving and retaining nutrients within the soil profile. Performance is remarkably better than other clover species in wet, poorly drained winter soils. When used in crop rotation, soil health benefits can be observed in the principle crop (Ghaffarzadeh, 1997). Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Guide Figure 1. Berseem clover in early bloom stage. Green Manure: Berseem clover is an outstanding nitrogen source, producing around 100 to 200 pounds of nitrogen/acre under vigorous conditions with biomass as high as 6,550 lb/acre (Clark et al., 2007; Mushrush, 2018). These attributes make berseem clover a good choice for building organic matter in the soil and reducing nitrogen fertilizer needs for the subsequent cash crop (Ghaffarzadeh, 1997). Forage/Hay: Berseem clover is non-bloating and highly palatable to livestock. Forage quality is high with 18 to 28 percent crude protein, making forage quality similar to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) (Braunwart et al., 2001; Clark et al., 2007; Hackney et al., 2007). Foliage quality generally declines as plants reach maturity with plant resources going to flowering and seed production (Clark et al., 2007; Hackney et al., 2007); hay should be cut before the onset of flowering. Under optimal conditions, yields of 8 tons/acre/year is achievable (Clark et al., 2007). Early establishment increases the opportunity for multiple cuttings and increased grazing opportunity during the growing season. Cultivar selection is important because some have high growing points that can be easily damaged by close grazing or hay harvest (Hackney et al., 2007). For grazing and hay production, select cultivars with a low growing point such as ‘Big Bee’, ‘Frosty’ or ‘Multcut’ (Clark et al., 2007; Hackney et al., 2007) Wildlife Food Plot: Plant as a polyculture or monoculture; berseem clover is a very attractive food source for wildlife, especially deer and rabbits (Basinger, 2018). Pollinator: Berseem clover is highly attractive to bees, which collect both nectar and pollen from the flowers. Honeybees are the primary pollinators of berseem clover (Narayanan et al. 1961; McGregor, 1976).

Status

Threatened or Endangered: None Wetland Indicator: None Weedy or Invasive: This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, state natural resource, or state agriculture department regarding its status and use. Please consult the PLANTS Web site (http://plants.usda.gov/) and your state’s Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g., threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

Planting Guidelines

Plant berseem clover in fall or spring depending on region adaptability. In the northern region of the US, seed berseem clover in the spring to avoid winterkill. A clean, firm, and weed free seedbed, with adequate soil moisture, is essential to achieve a good stand. Broadcast seed at 15 to 25 lb/acre and or drill at 8 to 14 lb/acre (Clark et al., 2007; Basinger, 2018) to a depth of ¼ inch (Hackney et al., 2007). If seed are broadcast planted, cultipacking or a light drag is needed to cover seed and to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Higher seed rates create thicker stands and better weed control but may require additional tillage or chemical application to terminate the plant. A thinner stand may be more desirable for forage. Inoculate the seed with Rhizobium trifolii (Kishinevsky et al., 1992). There are approximately 200,000 seed/lb (Oushy, 2008).

Management

Berseem clover does best in fields with full sun and moderate to heavy soil texture. As with many legumes, applying N fertilizer restricts nitrogen fixation (Havlin et al., 2005). Apply other nutrients based on soil test recommendations. In sandy or low CCE soils, boron application may be needed for best performance (Clark et al., 2007). Berseem clover tolerates a wide range of soil pH from 4.9-7.8 but does best at soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5 (Oushy, 2008; Evers, 2011). Berseem clover can be managed as a winterkill cover crop in northern regions or terminated mechanically or chemically in the southern U.S. Termination hastens the delivery of nutrients into the soil (Clark et al., 2007) and gives more time to establish a cash crop. Berseem clover may be difficult to terminate without chemicals. Tillage alone may not completely terminate the crop (Clark et al., 2007). Berseem clover has been observed to regrow after being cut to 2.5 inches in full maturity at heights of 10 to 20 inches in field plots at the ARPMC. Avoid direct seeding into a field with recently incorporated berseem clover, the volatile emissions from residues, will inhibit germination and subsequent seedling growth and development. This is also true in crimson clover and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) (Bradow et al., 1990). Give green residue time to breakdown before seeding crops. This may take two to four weeks depending on environmental and soil condition.

Pests and Potential Problems

http://plants.usda.gov/ Berseem clover is affected by many of the pest problems as other clover species. Some common fungal diseases in berseem are stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), root rot (Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium moniliforme, and Sclerotinia bataticola), damping off (Pythium spinosum), and clover scorch (Kabatiella caulivora) (Singh et al., 2020). Possible insect pests include aphids, mites, grubs, and Lygus bugs (Clark et al., 2007; Oushy, 2008). Berseem clover may also be affected by root nematodes depending on cultivar resistance (Singh et al., 2020). Berseem Mosaic is a seed transmitted virus that affects berseem clover with cultivar selection being the primary means of control (Singh et al., 2020). Plant damage can occur with high population of rabbits and deer (Clark et al., 2007; Basinger, 2018).

Environmental Concerns

Concerns

Concerns

Berseem may be spread by seed and may be considered weedy in some locations. However, there is no confirmation that berseem clover causes environmental concerns.

Control

Control berseem clover by combining integrated management methods of mechanical, cultural and chemical. Reseeding is usually not an issue (Kichler, 2019). Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely. Always read the label and safety instructions for each control method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to provide specific information. USDA NRCS does not guarantee or warranty the products and control methods named, and other products may be equally effective.

Seeds and Plant Production

Plant Production

Plant Production

Refer to planting guidelines and management for appropriate seeding rates, dates, and planting methods. Berseem is a primarily self-pollinated; however, for best seed production, cross pollination is required (Dixit et al., 1989). Time harvest when most of the seed heads are brown or black. Harvest seed by direct combining or cut/windrow/combine separately.

Use

chemical desiccation, especially if field is weedy, otherwise chemical desiccate may not be needed (Taylor et al., 1996). Use an air-screen cleaner to remove chaff and unfilled seed. Berseem produces up to 1,000 pounds of seed/acre under optimal conditions (Hackney et al., 2007; Clark, 2007; Oushy, 2008; Evers, 2011). Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) Select cultivars based on the local climate, resistance to local pests, and intended use. Consult with your local land grant university, local extension or local USDA NRCS office for recommendations on adapted cultivars for use in your area. Common cultivars grown in the USA includes: Balady: high growing aggressive foliage producer; Big Bee: moderate tolerance of clover scorch, superior foliage quality, rapid fall growth, and winter hardiness; Carmel: vigorous growth for multiple hay cuttings; Frosty: best winter hardiness, rapid growth, and superior foliage quality; Joe Burton: resistant to virus; Memphis: tolerance of clover scorch; Multcut: heavy forage producer.

Literature Cited

Anderson, B. 2016. Boost Grazing with Berseem Clover: New annual legume shows promise for pasture and hay production. Angus Journal: June 2016 issue. 50-52. Basinger, B. 2018. Frosty Berseem Clover for Deer. National Deer Association. <https://www.deerassociation.com/frosty- berseem-clover-deer/> Bradow,J.M. and J.C.William Jr. 1990.Volatile seed germination inhibitors from plant residues. Journal of Chemical Ecology. Vol 16; No3: 645-666. Braumwart, K., D. Putnam, and G. Fohner. 2001. Alternative Annual Forages – Now and in the Future. University of California, Davis. Davis, California. < https://alfalfa.ucdavis.edu/+symposium/proceedings/2001/01- 213.pdf?origin=publication_detail&origin=publication_detail> Clark, A. 2007. Managing cover crops profitably, 3rd ed. Handbook Series Book 9. Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) program. Beltsville, Maryland. < https://www.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/Managing-Cover- Crops-Profitably.pdf> Dixit, O., U. Singh, and J. Gupta. 1989. Significance of Pollination in Seed Setting Efficiency of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Agronomy & Crop Science 162, 93-96 (1989) Ehret, M., R. Graß, and M. Wachendorf. 2015. The effect of shade and shade material on white clover/perennial ryegrass mixtures for temperate agroforestry systems. Agroforestry Systems. 89(3) Evers, G. 2011. Descriptive Information on Cool‐Season Forage Legumes. Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center. Overton, Texas. <http://agrilife.org/overton/files/2011/04/cool-season-legumes-spp.pdf> Ghaffarzadeh, M., 1997. Small grains: economic and biological benefits of intercropping berseem clover with oat in corn- soybean-oat rotations. J.Prod. Agric., 10 (2): 314-319 Hackney, B., B. Dear, and G. Crocker. 2007. Berseem Clover. NSW Department of Primary Industries. New South Wales, Australia. Havlin, J., J. Beaton, S. Tisdale, and W. Nelson. 2005. Soil fertility and fertilizers: An introduction to nutrient management. Chapter 4 Nitrogen. Pearson: Prentice Hill. New Jersery, Upper Saddle River. Kichler, J. 2019. Which annual clover do I plant? University of Georgia Extension. <https://site.extension.uga.edu/forageteam/2019/09/which-annual-clover-do-i-plant/> Kishinevsky, B., Y. Leshem, Y. Friedman and G. Krivatz. 1992. Yield and nitrogen fixation of berseem clover as a potential winter forage crop under semiarid conditions, Arid Soil Research and Rehabilitation, 6:4, 261-270 McGregor, S. 1976. Insect Pollination of Cultivated Crop Plants. Chapter 3: Clover and Some Relatives. USDA ARS. <https://www.ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/20220500/onlinepollinationhandbook.pdf> Mushrush, L. 2018. Putting cold-tolerant berseem clover to the test. Progressive

Forage

< https://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-types/other-forage/putting-cold-tolerant-berseem-clover-to-the-test> Narayanan, E. S., P. L. Sharma, and K. G. Phadke. 1961. Studies on Requirements of Various Crops for Insect Pollination – Insect Pollinators of Berseem - Egyptian Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) with Particular Reference to Honey Bees and their Role in Seded Setting. Indian Bee Jour. 23(4/6): 23-30. Oushy, H. 2008. Fact Sheet: Egyptian Clover. USAID, Afghanistan Water, Agriculture and Technology Transfer Program, NMSU-AWATT. < https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/docs/Egyptian%20clover%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf> Sexton, P., R. Bafus, and M. Bohle. 1999. Evaluation of Berseem Clover as an Annual Forage in Central Oregon. Oregon State University. Corvallis, Oregon. <https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/coarec/publications/99_berseem_clover.pdf> Singh, R., A. Singh, M Singh, and R. Singh. 2020. Diseases in berseem and its management: A review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2020; 9(3): 2054-2057 Taylor, N., D. TeKrony, and J. Henning. 1996. Producing red clover seed in Kentucky. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Factsheet AGR-2. <http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/agr/agr2/agr2.pdf.> Citation Pettit, A. and S Haller. 2021. Plant Guide for Berseem Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum). USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Booneville Plant Material Center. Booneville, Arkansas 72927. Published Mo/Year JLD: 9/21 For more information about this and other plants, please contact your local NRCS field office or Conservation District at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and visit the PLANTS Web site at http://plants.usda.gov/ or the Plant Materials Program web site: http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov. PLANTS is not responsible for the content or availability of other Web sites. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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Plant Traits

Growth Requirements

CaCO3 ToleranceMedium
Frost Free Days, Minimum120
Frost Free Days, Minimum120
Fire ToleranceNone
Fire ToleranceNone
Fertility RequirementMedium
Fertility RequirementMedium
Drought ToleranceLow
Drought ToleranceLow
Cold Stratification RequiredNo
Cold Stratification RequiredNo
Temperature, Minimum (°F)-2
CaCO3 ToleranceLow
Anaerobic ToleranceLow
Anaerobic ToleranceLow
Adapted to Medium Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Medium Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Fine Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Fine Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Coarse Textured SoilsNo
Adapted to Coarse Textured SoilsNo
Hedge ToleranceNone
Temperature, Minimum (°F)-2
Shade ToleranceIntolerant
Shade ToleranceIntolerant
Salinity ToleranceLow
Salinity ToleranceLow
Root Depth, Minimum (inches)12
Root Depth, Minimum (inches)12
Precipitation, Minimum12
Precipitation, Minimum12
Precipitation, Maximum50
Precipitation, Maximum50
pH, Minimum6.5
pH, Minimum6.5
pH, Maximum8.0
pH, Maximum8.0
Moisture UseMedium
Moisture UseMedium
Hedge ToleranceNone


Morphology/Physiology

Active Growth PeriodSpring and Summer
ToxicityNone
ToxicityNone
Shape and OrientationErect
Shape and OrientationErect
Fall ConspicuousNo
Foliage Porosity SummerDense
Foliage Porosity SummerDense
Foliage ColorGreen
Foliage ColorGreen
Flower ConspicuousYes
Flower ConspicuousYes
Flower ColorYellow
Flower ColorYellow
Fire ResistantNo
Fire ResistantNo
Fall ConspicuousNo
Resprout AbilityNo
Coppice PotentialNo
Coppice PotentialNo
C:N RatioLow
C:N RatioLow
BloatNone
BloatNone
After Harvest Regrowth RateSlow
After Harvest Regrowth RateSlow
Active Growth PeriodSpring and Summer
Resprout AbilityNo
Foliage Porosity WinterPorous
Nitrogen FixationHigh
Nitrogen FixationHigh
Low Growing GrassNo
Low Growing GrassNo
Leaf RetentionNo
Leaf RetentionNo
Known AllelopathNo
Known AllelopathNo
Height, Mature (feet)1.5
Height, Mature (feet)1.5
Growth RateRapid
Growth RateRapid
Foliage Porosity WinterPorous
Foliage TextureFine
Foliage TextureFine
Fruit/Seed ColorBrown
Fruit/Seed ColorBrown
Fruit/Seed ConspicuousNo
Fruit/Seed ConspicuousNo
Growth FormSingle Crown
Growth FormSingle Crown


Reproduction

Propagated by CuttingsNo
Propagated by SeedYes
Propagated by SeedYes
Propagated by SodNo
Propagated by SodNo
Propagated by SprigsNo
Propagated by SprigsNo
Propagated by TubersNo
Propagated by TubersNo
Fruit/Seed PersistenceNo
Seed per Pound206880
Seed per Pound206880
Seed Spread RateNone
Seed Spread RateNone
Seedling VigorHigh
Seedling VigorLow
Small GrainNo
Small GrainNo
Vegetative Spread RateNone
Vegetative Spread RateNone
Propagated by CormNo
Propagated by CuttingsNo
Bloom PeriodEarly Spring
Bloom PeriodEarly Spring
Commercial AvailabilityNo Known Source
Commercial AvailabilityRoutinely Available
Fruit/Seed AbundanceHigh
Fruit/Seed AbundanceHigh
Fruit/Seed Period BeginSpring
Fruit/Seed Period BeginSpring
Fruit/Seed Period EndSpring
Fruit/Seed PersistenceNo
Propagated by Bare RootNo
Propagated by Bare RootNo
Propagated by BulbNo
Propagated by BulbNo
Propagated by ContainerNo
Propagated by ContainerNo
Propagated by CormNo
Fruit/Seed Period EndSpring


Suitability/Use

Palatable Browse AnimalHigh
Palatable Graze AnimalHigh
Palatable Graze AnimalHigh
Palatable HumanNo
Palatable HumanNo
Post ProductNo
Post ProductNo
Protein PotentialHigh
Protein PotentialHigh
Pulpwood ProductNo
Pulpwood ProductNo
Veneer ProductNo
Veneer ProductNo
Palatable Browse AnimalHigh
Nursery Stock ProductNo
Nursery Stock ProductNo
Naval Store ProductNo
Naval Store ProductNo
Lumber ProductNo
Lumber ProductNo
Fodder ProductYes
Fodder ProductYes
Christmas Tree ProductNo
Christmas Tree ProductNo
Berry/Nut/Seed ProductNo
Berry/Nut/Seed ProductNo

Egyptian Clover