PELLETT CLOVER 
(Trifolium ambiguum) 
This very unusual clover spreads rapidly from deep 
rhizomous roots and unlike most clovers increases from 
year to year. So dense does the root system become that 
it holds especial promise in soil conservation where a 
heavy root system and permanency are desired. A plot 
of this clover at Pellett Gardens was grown from root di- 
visions set 18 inches apart in rows which are four feet 
apart. The plants spread rapidly and completely filled 
the spaces between, early the second season. 
This clover leafs out very early in the spring. At first 
only basil leaves appear. These leaves are usually very 
large and the individual leafstalks are often more than 
a foot high. In late May the flowering stems appear. 
In our plots they are three feet long at height of bloom 
and each stem has many flower heads at different 
heights. 
The plant blooms in June and July and the bees visit 
the flowers freely. The corolla tubes are short so that 
the nectar is readily available to short-tongued insects. 
It appears to be the equal of any as a honey plant. It 
usually sets seed well and it appears that this plant can 
Pellett Clover root system as dug from six feet of row 
one year after planting. 
be propagated rapidly by seed as well as roots, once suf- 
ficient acreage is established from which to harvest seed. 
It thrives wonderfully on our grounds. A well estab- 
lished plant measured strong roots three to four feet long 
and a top spread of three feet. The rate of increase 
from rhizomous roots is very surprising. Rows planted 
3% feet apart in April were growing together in places 
five months later and early the second season the clover 
completely filled the spaces between the rows and the 

