Small Hop Clover (Trifolium dubium)

Plant Characteristics: Low-growing cool-season annual with yellow flowers clustered in a small head. The stems are green or reddish green and pubescent; they have a tendency to sprawl. The alternate leaves are trifoliate; they have long petioles that are hairless. The leaflets are ovate hairless, and slightly dentate along the margins.

Establishment: Seed is not commercially available and volunteer establishment occurs in the state. If enough seed is collected from existing stands it should be planted at a rate of 4 to 8 lbs/ac in September. Adapted to loam or clay-loam soil.

Fertilization: Tolerant to acid soils with low fertility. Fertilizer applications should follow soil test recommendations.

Grazing/Hay Management: It could be used as pasture is grass mixes due to low yields (0.5 to 1.5 ton/ac) production between April and May.

Forage Quality: Comparable to some red or crimson clover.

Varieties/Cultivars: n/a.