Although red clover (Trifolium pratense) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) may sound alike, crimson is a shade of red; these are two separate plants with unique characteristics, benefits, and applications.
Red clover is well recognized for its healing properties and its wide array of health benefits. As a perennial plant, it supports bone strength, cardiovascular health, skin condition, and hair quality. Crimson clover, on the other hand, is more commonly used in agriculture due to its soil-enhancing properties, making it a popular cover crop for gardens and farms.
Let’s explore how these clovers differ, their specific uses, benefits, and any side effects they may have.
How Red Clover and Crimson Clover Differ
The most noticeable distinction between red and crimson clover lies in their appearance. Red clover typically bears pinkish to rosy flowers, while crimson clover displays vibrant, deep red blooms resembling strawberries.
Height is another distinguishing factor. Crimson clover typically reaches a height of 30 to 91 cm, while red clover usually grows to a shorter range of 27 to 58 cm. Additionally, crimson clover grows more quickly and produces larger seeds than red clover.
From a botanical perspective, red clover is a short-lived perennial legume. Crimson clover, a winter annual, begins germinating in late fall or winter and blooms by spring.
Common Uses of Red Clover
People prized red clover for its rich nutritional profile, packed with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, chromium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C, and thiamine. It also contains isoflavones—plant compounds that act similarly to estrogen in the body.
Medicinal applications include:
- Topical treatments for psoriasis and eczema
- Relief from coughing, particularly in children
- Support for women’s mental and hormonal health
- In agriculture, red clover serves several purposes:
- Grazing and foraging for livestock
- Seed production
- Hey, for animal feed
Uses of Crimson Clover
Many people recognize crimson clover as a cover crop to enrich and protect soil, especially for crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. When farmers or gardeners dig them into the ground, they act as green manure, replenishing soil nutrients and improving fertility.
Other benefits include
- Preventing soil erosion
- Boosting nitrogen levels
- Reducing weed growth (especially in fall and spring)
- Crimson clover seeds, when roasted, add a crunchy touch to salads, and many people include the sprouts in fresh summer dishes, although they rarely consume them.
Health Benefits of Red Clover
Red clover belongs to the same family as legumes like peas and beans. While further research is still ongoing, existing studies suggest it may help with:
Osteoporosis Prevention. The isoflavones in red clover may help reduce bone loss in menopausal women by mimicking estrogen, which declines with age and affects bone density.
Skin and Hair Improvement. One study involves 109 women taking 80 mg of red clover extract for three months. After investigation, they reported better hair texture and skin condition improvement. Another study, including 30 men, used a 5% red clover topical solution for four months, and they remarked a 13% increase in hair growth. While early results are encouraging, scientists need more comprehensive studies to confirm these findings.
Benefits of Crimson Clover
As a cover crop, crimson clover offers several agricultural advantages:
- Increases soil fertility through nitrogen fixation (up to 31,8–68 kg of nitrogen per acre)
- Reduces water runoff and pollution
- Protects against erosion
- Acts as an early-season forage crop
- Provides food for pollinators (thanks to its bright, nectar-rich flowers)
- Its quick growth and ability to enhance soil health make it a favorite among sustainable farmers and gardeners.
Potential Side Effects of Red Clover
While red clover is generally safe when used appropriately, its isoflavones can mimic estrogen and may cause side effects in some people, including:
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions—such as breast or ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis—should avoid red clover. It’s also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential hormonal effects.
Possible Side Effects of Crimson Clover
Because people don’t consume crimson clover widely, there is limited data on its side effects in humans. Farmers primarily use crimson clover for agricultural purposes and regard it as safe in that context.
Summary: A Tale of Two Clovers
Although they share similar names, red and crimson clover differ significantly in form and function. Crimson clover is a fast-growing winter annual, prized for enriching soil and supporting farm ecosystems. In contrast, red clover is a perennial herb known for its potential health benefits, including hormonal balance, bone support, and skincare.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the right clover for your garden, farm, or wellness routine.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMsktDMxkKk
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3206499/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23449130/
Associative pictures ©canva.
