Alfalfa, Medicago sativa
Perennial plant with a deep taproot system and well developed crown at
the soil surface; much branched, ascending stems 1 to 3 feet high; three
leaflets in pinnately compound leaf, some what pubescent with
serration's on outer 1/3 of leaflets, broad stipules compared to
sweetclover; yellow or purple flowers. Alfalfa is the most important
forage legume in North America. On the basis of area, the most important
crop in Wyoming. Are many commercial cultivars available in U.S. Prefers
alkaline soils, pH above 7, which has restricted its adaptation in the
eastern U.S. High in digestibility for livestock, high in protein and
energy. May cause bloating in ruminants when grazed.
Alfalfa flower, generally blue but can
be purple or yellow dependent on variety
Alfalfa trifoliate leaf (pinnate compound),
serrated leaf margin on upper 1/3 to 1/2 of
leaf tip. Long, narrow stipules at base of petiole
Compare to Yellow Sweetclover.
Compare to White Clover.
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