Sainfoin milk vetch (Astragalus onobrychis)

Sainfoin milk vetch

Sainfoin milk vetch (Astragalus onobrychis) is a low-growing perennial herb widely used across dry regions to feed foraging animals and is especially marketed as being non-bloating for livestock. The name "onobrychis" derives from the Greek "devoured by donkeys."

Scientific classification

Species

Sainfoin milk vetch (Astragalus onobrychis)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

10 cm to 80 cm

Plant Height

1.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

Distribution of Sainfoin milk vetch

Distribution Map

Sainfoin milk vetch is naturally distributed across a broad region encompassing Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, the Caucasus, and parts of Central Asia. Over time, its range has expanded through introduction to areas within Western and Central Europe, further solidifying its presence across the continent.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry grasslands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Sainfoin milk vetch

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Sainfoin milk vetch thrives in moderate climates with stable moisture. It prefers evenly moist soil and should be watered weekly. While moderately drought-tolerant, sainfoin milk vetch is often grown outdoors, benefiting from natural rainfall, showcasing resilience to varying climate conditions.

Fertilize: Sainfoin milk vetch thrives with a balanced fertilizer featuring equal NPK ratios, applied once at the growing season's start. Use 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, as over-fertilization can hinder flowering. Water thoroughly post-fertilization to enhance nutrient uptake and avoid root burn.

Pruning: Sainfoin milk vetch, a hardy perennial, thrives with targeted pruning in early to late spring. Remove dead stems, cutting back to outward-facing buds for robust growth. Thinning improves air circulation, enhancing blooming and vitality, making sainfoin milk vetch resilient against environmental stressors.

Propagation: Sainfoin milk vetch enhances soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and prefers well-drained, alkaline soils with full sun. Use high-quality, scarified seeds inoculated with Rhizobium for propagation. Sow directly in situ and maintain consistent moisture until germination, which occurs in one to two weeks.

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Learn More About Sainfoin milk vetch

Sunlight Requirements

How to Transplant

How to Prune

How to Grow and Care

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