THE CLOVERS 



267 



is smaller than that of either red clover or alsike, and the 

 corolla of the flowers is white in color during early growth, 

 and turning to light brown as the plant matures. When 

 favored with cool, moist weather the plant blooms through- 

 out the growing season. Seed is produced abundantly 

 and the plants, when grown for seed, yield 5 to 15 bushels 

 per acre. The seeds are heart-shaped, similar to but 

 smaller than those of alsike, and are yellow in color. The 

 proportion of hard seeds is relatively high and sometimes 



Fro. 94. — A trailing stem of white clover. 



they may lie in the ground for several years before ger- 

 minating. 



268. Adaptation and uses. — White clover is more 

 universally distributed than any of the common clovers, 

 and may be found throughout the temperate regions of 

 the world. It is probably a native of Europe or Asia 

 and has been introduced into the other countries, perhaps 

 by the seeds being carried in with those of other legumes 

 or grasses. The seeds are light and easily carried and are 

 not usually digested when eaten by animals, which fact 

 probably assists in the distribution. The creeping nature 



