What differentiates microclover from regular white clover?

White clover (Trifolium repens) was a common component of lawns before the introduction of broadleaf weed herbicides in the 1950's. Although the most common targets of these herbicides were weeds such as dandelion, broadleaf plantain, buckhorn plantain, and other broadleaf weeds, white clover was also either damaged or killed by these applications. In addition, white clover tended to form large clumps, which suppressed desirable grasses. When white clover was flowering, the lawns attracted bees, which many homeowners, particularly those with children, considered objectionable. As a result, white clover was considered a undesirable weed by a significant number of homeowners.

Microclover ( Trifolium repens L. var. Pirouette) is a selection from white clover that has smaller leaves and a lower growth habit. When seeded at an appropriate rate, it mixes better with most turfgrass species than common white clover, without forming clumps and without excessively competing with desirable turfgrasses. Thus, the lawn also tends to have a more uniform appearance.

Which types of lawn grasses will mix successfully with microclover?

Microclover has been reported to successfully mix with most cool season turfgrass species, including Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, turf-type tall fescue, and the fine fescues. However, in a study conducted at the University of Maryland, microclover totally dominated when mixed with chewings fescue and hard fescue. This problem may have been due to excessive microclover seeding rates or due to environmental conditions in the Mid-Atlantic region.

What percentage of microclover should be mixed with lawn grasses?

In University of Maryland trials, microclover was mixed with hard fescue, chewings fescue, turf-type tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. The percent of coated microclover seed in these mixtures was either 5% or 10% by weight.

Microclover totally dominated when mixed with either hard or chewings fescue, resulting in little or no desirable turf. Further work needs to be done to determine if 1-3% microclover would produce an acceptable mixture with hard or chewings fescue in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Microclover at both 5% and 10% mixed well with both turf-type tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. Although initially (first 6 months) the microclover seemed to be predominating, a good balance between the microclover and these turfgrass species was ultimately achieved. No difference was observable between the two microclover seeding rates. Further research is needed to determine if lower rates of microclover might be acceptable."

In essence, it pairs very well with a northern, cool-season grass mixes, whichever one you choose. Planting it alone as a monoculture can lead to issues as mentioned above. MSU does not at this time have any recommendations for planting microclover/grass lawns. The University of Idaho has the following resource on grass varieties, but again, not on microclover.  https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/BUL/BUL0875.pdf

Your best option may be to check availability with your local seed dealers or even online for seed. Make sure the seed is truly "microclover" (Trifolium repens L. var. Pirouette) or other variety suitable for Montana , and not just a Dutch white clover in the mix.

The other keys will be to properly maintain your lawn and water accordingly (infrequently and deeply vs. frequently and too little).  Information on that can be found at your local MSU Extension Office but is also discussed in the Idaho publication listed above.

Good luck and I hope this information is helpful.  I'll be sure to mention the topic of microclovers to our Horticulturalist when that position is filled at MSU and maybe to a few others that may look into the matter in more detail.