VIII 



LEGUMINOUS FORAGE CROPS 



I. CLOVERS 



144. Relationships. The genus Trifolium (clovers) is closely 

 related to Medicago (alfalfa) and Melilotus (sweet clover) in 

 that in all the leaf is divided into three leaflets. In the case 

 of the clovers, however, the three leaflets arise from the end 

 of the leaf stalk or petiole, palmately lobed, while in the other 

 two genera the lateral leaflets arise from the sides of the petiole 

 some distance from the end, pinnately lobed. The Melilotus 

 is readily distinguished by its flowers being in racemes, while 

 in the Medicago the coiled or curved or kidney-shaped pod 

 serves to distinguish the species of this genus from the clovers. 



145. Number and Distribution of Species. The number of 

 species belonging to the genus Trifolium is about 250, variously 

 estimated from 150 to 290. They are most abundant in the 

 North Temperate Zone. About 65 species are known in North 

 America, the greatest number being found native to the 

 Western states. 



List of Clovers of Economic Importance 1 

 Native 



SPECIES GROWING IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE UNITED STATES 



Buffalo clover, Trifolium reftexum L. 



Running buffalo clover, T. stoloniferum Muhl. 



Carolina clover, T. carolinianum Michx. 



White clover, T. repens L. 



Southern clover, T. amphianthum T. & G. 



1 Some of the species in this list are probably of no economic importance, 

 but are included because they have been tested at one or more experi- 

 ment stations. 



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