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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