9 Best Clover Seeds to Attract and Feed Deer

Planting clover is one of the most effective ways to create a dependable food source for deer. Clover provides protein-rich forage, remains attractive throughout much of the growing season, and can return year after year when properly maintained.

Whether you are planting a small wildlife area, improving deer habitat, or establishing a larger food plot, choosing the right clover variety can make a major difference. Some clovers perform best in cool northern climates, while others tolerate heat, drought, wet soil, or heavy grazing.

Here are nine of the best clover seeds to attract deer and provide nutritious forage throughout the year.

1. White Dutch Clover

White Dutch clover is one of the most popular choices for deer food plots because it is dependable, adaptable, and relatively easy to grow. This low-growing perennial develops a dense carpet of nutritious leaves that deer can graze repeatedly.

It spreads through aboveground stems called stolons, allowing established plants to fill bare areas and recover from browsing. White Dutch clover can grow in full sun or partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.

Once established, a well-maintained planting may return for several years.

Why deer like it:

• Produces tender, protein-rich foliage
• Tolerates frequent grazing
• Remains green for much of the growing season
• Provides dependable forage from spring through fall

Best growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.

2. Ladino Clover

Ladino clover is a large-leaved type of white clover known for producing abundant forage. It is commonly planted in dedicated deer food plots because its large leaves provide more plant material than many smaller white clover varieties.

This perennial clover performs especially well in fertile soil with consistent moisture. Deer are attracted to its tender foliage, particularly during spring and early summer when growth is vigorous.

Ladino clover can remain productive for several years when weeds are controlled and the soil has the proper pH and fertility.

Why deer like it:

• Produces large, tender leaves
• Offers high-quality forage
• Recovers well after browsing
• Can create a long-lasting perennial food plot

Best growing conditions: Full sun with fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

3. Red Clover

Red clover is a fast-growing clover that produces tall, leafy plants and attractive reddish-purple flowers. Although it is generally considered a short-lived perennial, it can provide abundant forage during its first and second growing seasons.

One advantage of red clover is its ability to tolerate slightly more acidic and less fertile soil than some white clovers. Its deeper root system may also help it remain productive during short dry periods.

Red clover is useful for quickly establishing a new deer feeding area while slower-growing perennial plants become established.

Why deer like it:

• Establishes relatively quickly
• Produces abundant leafy growth
• Offers nutritious spring and summer forage
• Performs in a wider range of soils

Best growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade with moderately fertile, well-drained soil.

4. Crimson Clover

Crimson clover is an annual clover recognized by its bright red flower spikes. It grows quickly and can provide valuable cool-season forage for deer.

In warmer regions, crimson clover is often planted during late summer or fall. The plants establish before winter and produce rapid growth during early spring. In colder climates, it may be planted in spring as an annual crop.

Because it grows quickly, crimson clover is a useful choice when a food plot needs fast coverage and seasonal forage.

Why deer like it:

• Germinates and establishes quickly
• Produces tender cool-season growth
• Provides early spring forage
• Works well in annual food plot mixtures

Best growing conditions: Full sun with well-drained soil.

5. Alsike Clover

Alsike clover is a short-lived perennial that performs particularly well in cool climates and moist soil. It can tolerate wetter and more acidic growing conditions than many other clover varieties.

The plants produce soft pink and white flowers and nutritious foliage that attracts deer and other wildlife. Alsike clover may be especially useful in low areas where soil remains too moist for Ladino or other white clovers.

It can be planted alone but is often included in mixed wildlife seed plantings.

Why deer like it:

• Produces tender, palatable foliage
• Grows well in cool regions
• Tolerates moist and occasionally wet soil
• Adds diversity to wildlife food plots

Best growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade with cool, moist soil.

6. Arrowleaf Clover

Arrowleaf clover is a productive annual clover commonly grown in warmer regions. It develops upright plants with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves and can continue producing forage later into spring than some other annual clovers.

This variety is often planted during fall in southern climates. Growth may begin slowly during cooler weather before increasing rapidly as temperatures rise in spring.

Arrowleaf clover can help extend the availability of nutritious forage after some early-season clovers begin to decline.

Why deer like it:

• Produces large amounts of spring forage
• Extends the cool-season feeding period
• Provides nutritious leafy growth
• Performs well in warm southern regions

Best growing conditions: Full sun with well-drained soil.

7. Berseem Clover

Berseem clover is a fast-growing annual that produces soft, leafy forage. Unlike many clovers, it does not develop hard seed that may become invasive in future plantings.

It performs best in fertile soil with adequate moisture and may produce multiple periods of growth when conditions are favorable. Deer are attracted to its tender leaves, especially while the plants are young and actively growing.

Berseem clover is often included in annual food plot mixtures with cereal grains and other cool-season forage plants.

Why deer like it:

• Produces soft, highly palatable foliage
• Establishes quickly under favorable conditions
• Can provide repeated leafy growth
• Blends well with other food plot crops

Best growing conditions: Full sun with fertile soil and consistent moisture.

8. Subterranean Clover

Subterranean clover, commonly called subclover, is a low-growing annual that naturally reseeds under suitable conditions. After flowering, its seed heads develop close to or beneath the soil surface.

This clover is commonly grown in regions with mild, wet winters and dry summers. It provides nutritious forage during the cooler parts of the year and may return during future growing seasons without complete replanting.

Its low growth habit also helps it tolerate grazing by deer and other wildlife.

Why deer like it:

• Produces tender, low-growing foliage
• Tolerates regular grazing
• Can naturally reseed
• Provides valuable cool-season forage

Best growing conditions: Full sun with well-drained soil in mild climates.

9. Strawberry Clover

Strawberry clover is a durable perennial named for its rounded flower heads, which resemble small strawberries as they mature. It tolerates moist soil, occasional flooding, and moderately salty growing conditions.

Although it may not produce as much forage as Ladino clover, strawberry clover is valuable in difficult locations where other perennial clovers struggle.

Its spreading growth habit helps create a dense ground cover that can withstand grazing and moderate foot traffic.

Why deer like it:

• Produces nutritious perennial forage
• Tolerates frequent grazing
• Performs well in moist or challenging soil
• Returns for multiple growing seasons

Best growing conditions: Full sun with moist soil.

How to Choose the Best Clover for Your Deer Food Plot

The best clover depends on your climate, soil conditions, available sunlight, and how long you want the planting to last.

For a long-lasting perennial food plot, consider White Dutch, Ladino, or Strawberry clover. Crimson, Arrowleaf, and Berseem clovers are useful when rapid annual growth is preferred. Red clover is a good option for quick establishment and abundant short-term forage.

Using a mixture of compatible clovers may provide greater diversity and extend the feeding season. Combining annual and perennial varieties can deliver quick growth during the first season while longer-lived clovers become established.

Tips for Planting Clover Seeds for Deer

Clover seeds are small and should generally be planted close to the soil surface. Deep planting is one of the most common reasons for poor clover establishment.

For better results:

• Test the soil before planting
• Adjust soil pH according to test recommendations
• Remove or reduce competing vegetation
• Prepare a firm, smooth seedbed
• Broadcast seeds evenly across the planting area
• Lightly press seeds into the soil
• Avoid burying seeds too deeply
• Keep the soil consistently moist during germination
• Control weeds while young clover plants become established

Clover generally performs best when the soil pH is approximately 6.0 to 7.0, although the preferred range varies by species. Applying lime may be necessary in areas with highly acidic soil.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Clover for Deer?

Spring and late summer are common planting periods for perennial clovers. Spring planting allows seeds to benefit from cool temperatures and seasonal rainfall, but young plants may face increased weed competition.

Late-summer planting can reduce competition from warm-season weeds while allowing clover to establish before winter. Plant early enough for young plants to develop strong roots before freezing weather arrives.

In warmer southern regions, annual clovers are frequently planted during fall to provide winter and early spring forage.

Can You Plant Different Clover Varieties Together?

Yes. Planting several compatible clover varieties can improve food plot diversity and provide forage under a wider range of conditions.

For example, a mixture containing White Dutch, Ladino, and Red clover may combine long-term perennial growth with faster establishment. Annual clovers can also be included to provide additional forage during the first growing season.

When creating a mixture, consider the mature size and growth rate of each variety. Aggressive plants may compete with slower-growing clovers if planted too heavily.

Final Thoughts

Clover is an excellent addition to deer habitat because it provides nutritious forage while helping cover and improve the soil. The right variety can create an attractive feeding area that remains productive throughout much of the growing season.

White Dutch and Ladino clovers are dependable choices for long-lasting perennial plots, while Crimson, Arrowleaf, and Berseem clovers provide fast seasonal growth. Red, Alsike, Subterranean, and Strawberry clovers offer additional options for different climates and soil conditions.

By selecting clovers suited to your growing region and preparing the planting area properly, you can establish a productive food plot that attracts deer and supports local wildlife for seasons to come.