Vermont State Flower: Red Clover

Adopted on February 1, 1895.

No. 159 of the Acts of 1894, effective February 1, 1895, designated the Red Clover as the official State Flower. Both an integral part of many a cultivated hay field and a common sight along numerous Vermont roadsides, the Red Clover is symbolic of Vermont's scenic countryside generally and of its dairy farms in particular. Oddly enough, however, Trifolium pratense is not a native of Vermont but was "naturalized" from Europe.

Longevity: Perennial (acts as Biennial)

Palatability: High

Winter Hardiness: Good

Drought Tolerance: Fair

Cool or Warm Season: Cool

Bloat Hazard: Yes

Use and Comments: Excellent pasture renovation crop, short-term hay crop.

Distribution in U.S.: Eastern half and Northwest.

Height: 12-36 inches.

Leaves: Palmately trifoliolate; leaflets not serrated; inverted V-shaped "water mark" usually present; large stipules; stems leaves and petioles pubescent.

Inflorescence: Heads consisting of up to 125 flowers; rose purple or deep purplish-red; heads nested in 2-3 leaves.

Roots: Taproot.

Soil

Drainage: Somewhat Poorly Drained

Fertility: Medium

pH: 6.2-6.8

Seed

Color: Pure yellow tp purple

Shape: Shortened mit

Pounds Per Bushel: 60

Seeds Per Pound: 275,000

Seeding Rate: 8-10 pounds PLS per acre.

Emergence Time (Days): 7

Optimum Germ. Temp. (F): 70