Bed #33: Cover Crop, Crimson Clover

Bed # 33

Cover Crop: Crimson Clover

Red clover is a cover crop of the bean family native to Europe. It is grown throughout the northeastern United States for forage and is used in rotations for soil improvement.Like all beans it improves the nitrogen in the soil.It is often companion cropped with oats.It is annual usually sown in late summer or early autumn.

Crimson clover seeds are often roasted and eaten as a topping.The shoots and flowers are edible as well.

Historically, red (a close relative) clover was used for asthma, whooping cough, cancer, and gout. Today, extracts from red clover are most often promoted for menopause symptoms, high cholesterol levels, or osteoporosis.

Studies of the medicinal use of red clover have lasted up to 3 years with apparent safety but results have been inconsistent.Crimson clover has not been well studied.

Women should not take clover supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

References:

1. https://extension.psu.edu/red-clover

2. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/red-clover