[Jim in NC]

In the last week or so with the very warm temperatures, clover has exploded and abundant everywhere. Hayfields and pastures have greened up rapidly and it is mostly because of clover. Grass is there, but it isn't growing nearly as fat as clover. I am just very surprised to see it since we have been so hot and dry for the last few summers.

 

[jwal10]

What kind of clover is it? Have you had good moisture this winter? Clover seed can remain dormant for many years and reemerge after favorable conditions. We have a lot of Subterranean clover here and it can have died out for years and if the soil is worked it shows up with a vengence....James

 

[Jim in NC]

I am not a clover expert James and can't really tell the type yet. The ground is just carpeted with it. We usually have lots in the yard with small white flowers. RIt reminds me a bit of Ladino Clover, which I scattered over the pastures about 30 years ago. Some pink is mixed in occasionally. It will grow a bit taller in the pasture if the cows don't keep it mowed too close. The taller red clover is usually found in hayfields. We have been dry this winter but warm. we have had half of normal rainfall since Jan. 1. The warmth may have something to do with it, but being this dry now is not a good sign.

 

[jwal10]

Ladino clover
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/41411/
Subteranean Clover does not get more than 6" tall. seed pods are right on the ground, runners on the ground, can run for 2'. Seed has to be vacuumed to harvest.
http://www.stanford.edu/~merigan/subcl.html


....James

 

[BigDaveinKY]

I was gonna say white clover, but I see Ladino and white clover are the same thing. Thanks James.
It will go dormant during dry times, but as soon as it gets moisture it's back in abundance.

 

[bettyp]

Henry was just complaining about the clover in our back yard .It is just covered good . I read James 's post about it laying dornant. We had a wet winter so maybe that is why we have such a close carpet of it.