alsike clover: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Agricultural
Quick answer
What does “alsike clover” mean?
A species of perennial clover with pale pink flowers, used as fodder for livestock.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A species of perennial clover with pale pink flowers, used as fodder for livestock.
A clover species native to Europe but widely naturalised, valued in agriculture for its adaptability to various soil conditions and as a forage crop.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and equally technical in both varieties. The term is not subject to regional lexical variation.
Connotations
Neutral agricultural/ botanical term.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language but standard within agricultural and botanical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “alsike clover” in a Sentence
The farmer sowed [alsike clover] in the lower field.This pasture contains a mixture of [alsike clover] and timothy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alsike clover” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The field was alsike clovered last season.
- We plan to alsike clover that paddock.
American English
- They alsike clovered the acreage for forage.
- We should alsike clover the north field.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The alsike-clover field was thriving.
- An alsike-clover mixture was sown.
American English
- The alsike clover plot yielded well.
- He purchased alsike clover seed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in agricultural commodities trading or seed company literature.
Academic
Used in botany, agronomy, ecology, and agricultural science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in farming manuals, seed catalogues, and botanical guides.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alsike clover”
- Misspelling as 'alsike clover' (correct) vs. 'alsike clover' (common typo).
- Confusing it with 'red clover' or 'white clover'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is named after Alsike, a parish in Uppsala County, Sweden, where the plant was first cultivated.
Yes, it is a good source of nectar for honeybees, producing a light, mild honey.
It is a short-lived perennial, typically lasting 2-3 years.
Alsike clover has pinkish-white flower heads and leaves without the white V-mark common on white clover leaves.
A species of perennial clover with pale pink flowers, used as fodder for livestock.
Alsike clover is usually technical / agricultural in register.
Alsike clover: in British English it is pronounced /ˈælsaɪk ˈkləʊvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælsaɪk ˈkloʊvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALmost like a SIKamore tree's leaf?' (False association, but the unusual name 'alsike' sticks). Or: 'ALL SEEK this clover' for livestock.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not applicable for highly specific botanical terms]
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary agricultural use for alsike clover?