File:Trifolium pratense habit2 (10733401005).jpg

English: Introduced, cool-season, short-lived perennial legume; stems are hairy and erect or prostrate with erect tips. Leaves have 3 leaflets on stalks of equal length; each elliptical to circular, 15-50 mm long, hairy on underside and usually with white crescent markings. Flowerheads are large ball-like clusters of more than 100 pink pea-like flowers (15-18 mm long). Flowering is from spring to autumn. A native of Europe, it is widely sown and naturalized; preferring well-drained, fertile soils, with pHCa greater than 5. Although it is cold tolerant, its main growth period is spring and early summer. A high quality, highly productive, nitrogen fixing legume that produces the bulk of its growth over summer and autumn. Performs best in cool coastal areas. Combines well with short-term ryegrasses and provides useful feed in the first 1-2 years of a perennial pasture. Can cause bloat. Oestrogen levels can adversely affect breeding stock, so check oestrogen ratings of available varieties. Rotational grazing or cutting to 7-8 cm minimises damage to the above-ground crown and will improve persistence.