Alfalfa - Medicago sativa (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Alfalfa

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family of Fabaceae. The common name alfalfa is mainly used in North America. In the rest of the world, this crop is called "lucerne." This plant looks similar to clover due to its purple flowers.

Scientific classification

Species

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

1 cm

Spread

Green, Blue, Yellow, Bronze

Leaf Color

1 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Purple

Flower Color

Green, Red, Purple

Stem Color

Images of Alfalfa

Distribution of Alfalfa

Distribution Map

Alfalfa is produced in parts of the Eurasian continent, mainly Central Asia and Western Europe. It is also widely introduced worldwide. It generally appears in grassland, woodland and near rivers.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Symbolism

Prosperity, Anti-Hunger, Money

Interesting Facts

Medick is often mistaken for clover. It is said that once while Napoleon was marching across a grassland, he found a medick. He was interested in it. When he bent down to pick it, he actually avoided a bullet that was shot and survived. So medick is known as a symbol of luck.

Name Story

Alfalfa: The word alfalfa was derived in 1845 from the Spanish word, alfalfez, and from Arabic, al-fisfisa, meaning "fresh fodder". It has been cultivated as livestock fodder since at least the era of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Therefore, it is called alfalfa.

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Toxicity

Alfalfa breaks down red blood cells when large amounts are ingested and can activate systemic lupus erythematosus. The FDA advises children, the elderly, those with immune suppression, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with hormone-sensitive cancer to avoid alfalfa sprouts due to bacterial contamination. Avoid if taking warfarin.

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Care Guide for Alfalfa

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Alfalfa thrives in well-drained soils with consistent moisture and moderate drought resistance. Watering should occur weekly to maintain vigor. Cultivated outdoors, alfalfa benefits from natural rainfall, which supports growth and decreases the need for supplemental irrigation in wetter seasons.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of alfalfa, use balanced nutrition fertilizers at 150-200 kg N/ha annually, split between post-harvest and early spring. Avoid over-fertilization and adjust rates during dormancy. Conduct regular soil tests for tailored care, and follow safety guidelines during application.

Pruning: Alfalfa thrives with early to late spring pruning, cutting back one-third of its height for bushier growth and vigor. Regularly remove damaged stems for health. Clean tools to prevent infection and enhance air circulation and light penetration, improving yield and quality during its growth phase.

Propagation: Alfalfa is propagated by sowing seeds in spring, with moderate difficulty. Key indicators of successful propagation include seed germination and vigorous growth. Maintaining optimal moisture levels is essential for effective propagation.

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