Trifolium fragiferum

A persistent prostrate perennial legume that regenerates readily by shedding seeds and spreading stolons. Its stems are slender and branched the roots can grow to 250 mm. Trifoliate leaf size varies between cultivars, flower heads are small, and pink, resembling strawberry fruits. Seed pods contain 1-2 seeds.

Uses are as ground cover in vineyards, orchards and for green cover crops and soil conditioning.

pros

• Very palatable and nutritious - making an excellent component in a permanent pasture in spring and summer

• High protein content 

• High digestibility

• Tolerates heavy grazing 

• Tolerates wide temperature range with good heat tolerance

• Excellent summer feed value when moisture is available

• Drought and water-logging tolerant

• Tolerant of salinity - can establish and persist on wet saline and alkaline soils where other clovers struggle to persist

• Grows best, pH 6-8. can tolerate pH  4.8

• Prefer rainfall greater than 500 mm

• Olsen soil P > 15

• Very persistent on suitable soils 

• Importantly free of oestrogen risk