Subterranean Clover
(T. subterraneum L.)

	Buries pods (burrs) in top of soil
	Can be grazed very short
	Reseeds well, even with continuous grazing
	Grows up to 1 foot tall, but dense
	Seed is difficult to harvest and expensive
	Grows well where pH is about 6

Subterranean (sub) clover is a dense, low-growing, annual cool-season legume of medium maturity that will withstand close grazing and continue to produce seed. Following pollination of the small white flowers, the flowers "peg down" and the seeds develop on or just under the soil surface.

Sub clover normally reaches no more than six or eight inches in height and is not as productive as arrowleaf or crimson clover. Sub clover is not suited for hay production because of its short stem height.

Sub clover is more tolerant of acid soils than most clovers but does not do well on soils with a pH above 7.0. Sub clover is tolerant of close continuous grazing and is more tolerant of shade than other legumes. It easily reseeds naturally to maintain stands for many years. Research in eastern Oklahoma has shown sub clover interseeded in tall fescue to be productive and usually reliable with adequate lime, phosphorus, and potassium.

Images
Seed
Seed pods
Flower
Leaves

John Caddel, Forage Agronomist, 
Professor of Plant & Soil Sciences

john.caddel@okstate.edu