Origin
Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens (Greene) J. Gillett, also known as Dark-stemmed Clover or Red-stem Clover, is a subspecies of Trifolium longipes which is native to North America.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Dark-stemmed Clover or Red-stem Clover due to its dark reddish or purplish stems.
Uses
Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens is primarily used as a forage crop for livestock. It is rich in protein and highly palatable, making it a valuable source of nutrition for sheep, cattle, and horses. The plant is also used as a soil stabilizer and for erosion control due to its deep taproot which helps to improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
General Appearance
Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens is a perennial plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has a deep taproot and a spreading growth habit. The leaves are trifoliate and alternate along the stem, with each leaflet being oval in shape and up to 4 cm long. The flowers are clustered together in rounded, dense heads that can be up to 2 cm in diameter. The flowers are pink or purplish-red in color and bloom from May to August. The stem of the plant is dark reddish or purplish, which gives rise to the common names of the plant.
Light Requirements
Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its overall growth and health. Exposure to sunlight is critical for the plant to carry out necessary photosynthesis and reach its full potential.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth conditions for Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens include moderate temperatures ranging from 45-70°F (7-21°C). The plant can tolerate occasional freezing temperatures but cannot survive prolonged periods of frost. Likewise, temperatures exceeding 80°F (27°C) may affect the plant's growth as it is not heat-tolerant and may wilt under high heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens prefers well-draining soils with medium to low fertility. The plant can grow in a range of different soil types such as sandy loams, clay loams, and rocky soils, but it prefers those with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant is also tolerant of some drought but prefers consistent soil moisture.
Cultivation Methods for Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens
The Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens, also known as the Red-stemmed Prairie Clover, grows well in sunny or partially shady areas with well-drained, loamy soil. It can thrive in areas with moderate to low fertility levels and even in drought-prone areas. The best time to plant the seeds is in the late fall or early spring when the soil temperature is around 20°C. This allows the seeds to germinate well and develop a strong root system before the hot, dry summers.
Watering needs for Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens
Once established, the Red-stemmed Prairie Clover requires minimal watering, and it can withstand periods of drought. It is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plants do not sit in standing water. When watering, it is better to do so deeply and infrequently than to water lightly and frequently. This ensures that the roots get adequate moisture without promoting rotting or shallow rooting.
Fertilization for Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens
The Red-stemmed Prairie Clover requires minimal fertilization since it can thrive in areas with moderate to low fertility levels. However, if you want to encourage its growth and promote blooming, you can add organic matter to the soil before planting. Composted manure, leaf litter, or composted bark are excellent options that can enhance the soil structure and promote soil microorganisms.
Pruning for Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens
The Red-stemmed Prairie Clover is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. However, you can trim off the spent blooms to promote the second wave of blooming in late summer or early fall. Additionally, if you planted it in a crowded area, you can thin out the stems to promote better air circulation and prevent disease or pest infestation.
Propagation of Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens (Greene) J. Gillett
Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens (Greene) J. Gillett, commonly known as dark red clover, can be propagated through various methods, such as seed propagation, division, and cuttings.
Seed propagation
The most common and preferred method for propagating Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens is through seed propagation. The seeds can be sown directly into the desired location during late fall or early spring. It's important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and fertile to promote healthy seed germination and growth. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and covered with a light layer of soil. Germination typically occurs within 7-10 days if the soil temperature is around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Division
Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens can also be propagated through division, although this method is less common and may not be as successful as seed propagation. The plant can be divided during early spring or late fall when it is dormant. The root system should be carefully dug out and divided into small pieces, ensuring that each section has viable roots and stems. The divided sections can then be replanted in well-drained, fertile soil and watered thoroughly to promote root establishment.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method for Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens, although it is generally not recommended due to its low success rate. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stems during early summer and planted in moist soil. The cuttings should be covered with plastic to retain moisture and placed in a shaded area to prevent wilting. It may take several weeks for the cuttings to root and establish.
Disease Management
Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens (Greene) J. Gillett can be affected by various diseases that may cause significant yield loss. Therefore, it is essential to implement preventive measures during the growth period of the plant.
Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum trifolii. The symptoms include circular lesions that may become necrotic and cause the death of the entire leaflet. To control this disease, it is advisable to remove all plant debris from the field to reduce the rate of inoculum. In addition, the use of resistant cultivars and chemical fungicides can be employed for effective management.
Clover scorch: This disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas trifolii. The symptoms include yellow lesions that later turn brown, leading to the death of the entire leaflet. The use of resistant cultivars, crop rotation, and planting disease-free seeds are effective measures of managing Clover scorch. Also, copper-based bactericides can be used for management.
Pest Management
Trifolium longipes Nutt. ssp. atrorubens (Greene) J. Gillett can be attacked by various pests that may impact the quality and quantity of the plant. Therefore, it is essential to implement preventive and control measures during the growth period of the plant.
Clover root curculio: This pest can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the roots. The symptoms include stunting and yellowing of the plant, leading to lower productivity. To manage the curculio, crop rotation, and field sanitation (removal of plant debris) can be employed. Additionally, chemical control can be used when the infestations are high.
Clover leaf weevil: This pest feeds on the leaves and stems, and the damage can result in lower yield and quality. The symptoms include distortion and holes in the leaves. To manage this pest, the use of resistant cultivars and chemical insecticides can be employed.
