Potentially long-lived nitrogen-fixing perennial legume with a significant taproot and purple flowers. Adapted to fertile, deep, well-drained soils. Intolerant of poor drainage, high water tables and acidic soils. The world’s most well-known and widely used perennial forage legume for pasture, hay, silage, green-chop and rangeland. Excellent forage yield, quality and palatability. Seed alone or in mixed grass pastures; establishes easily. High bloat potential; use caution when grazing. Also use for wildlife habitat for grazing ungulates, geese, grouse and other wild birds. Primarily pollinated by leafcutter bees and many types of native bees; honeybees are reluctant pollinators. Winter hardy, rhizomatous and multifoliate (MF) varieties available. See also Falcata alfalfa (Medicago sativa ssp. falcata).

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Fabaceae

Duration: Annual/Perennial

Growth Habit: Forb

Native Status: Introduced

Growth Form:

Mature Height: in.

Bloom Color: Purple

Bloom Period:

Annual Precipitation:  in.

Drought Tolerance:

Shade Tolerance:

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Fire Tolerance:

Nitrogen fixation:

Bloat: yes

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture:

Medium Texture:

Fine Texture:

Salinity Tolerance:

CaCO3 Tolerance:

pH Range:

SEEDING NOTES

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Seeding Rate: lbs/acre

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