Science · Plants, Natives & Crops
Crimson Clover
Crimson clover provides seasonal soil cover and biologically fixed nitrogen when effectively nodulated. It commonly grows as a winter annual in mild climates, with adaptation and winter survival depending on planting date, cultivar, and temperature.
Profile
- Growth habit
- Upright annual with hairy foliage and conspicuous crimson flower heads.
- Roots
- Taproot with numerous fibrous roots, commonly extending approximately 12–20 inches.
- Soils
- Best adapted to fertile, well-drained loamy soils.
- Soil pH
- Oregon State lists a tolerated range of approximately 5.1–8.4; this is not an optimum range.
- Nitrogen
- Fixes atmospheric nitrogen through an effective association with compatible rhizobia.
Water & soil context
- Moisture (VWC)
- The cited publications do not provide numeric volumetric water content sensor targets.
- Salinity tolerance
- No crop-specific numeric salinity threshold is provided in the cited descriptions.
- Drought tolerance
- Requires adequate moisture for establishment and productive growth; Oregon State describes adaptation to regions receiving about 30 inches of rainfall.
Illustrative monitoring-depth band
3–8 in
Editorial placement example, not a validated optimum or total rooting depth. Confirm the site's root distribution and soil horizons; multiple depths may be needed.
Rainfall figures describe broad adaptation, not irrigation requirements. Prolonged flooding is unsuitable; only brief flooding is tolerated.
Problems to watch
- Extreme heat or cold can limit persistence.
- Pure or clover-dominant forage stands can pose a livestock bloat risk.
- Allowing seed production changes volunteer and reseeding management.
Stress signs
- The cited sources do not provide a reliable crop-specific diagnostic list of visible stress indicators.
Where you'll find it
- Cover crop
- Green manure
- Forage
More plants, natives & crops
Published botanical and soil references are distinct from GroundWorx product guidance. Moisture thresholds and monitoring depths require site calibration; sources do not establish product performance or diagnose stress.