Berseem clover resembles alfalfa and grows to a height of 2 feet or more but does not cause bloat. This cool-season annual clover species is well adapted to alkaline sites and is the most tolerant of wet soil conditions of all the clovers. Berseem clover can provide fall forage and produces peak forage levels during March through June. Grazing should keep the plants between 3 and 4 inches to encourage new leaf production.

Berseem clover requires fairly good sites for best production and is not adapted to low fertility sites. Berseem clover should be considered as a species to plant in drowned-out areas of alfalfa fields to add a cutting or two to thin stands. Normally, seed production with regular haying or grazing is not adequate to allow berseem clover to become a weed.

Limited research in Oklahoma indicates that some varieties of berseem clover will not withstand winter conditions. The variety Bigbee normally withstands winter conditions and can be productive during fall and spring. Early spring planting of the non-winter hardy types may work and avoid problems associated with low temperatures.

Planting rate:  15 to 20 pounds/acre is a normal seeding rate in clean-tilled conditions with a good firm seedbed.

Potential yield:  Yields in excess of 2 tons of hay/acre can be expected for the first cutting with good growing conditions.  Regrowth yields tends to be much less.