Alfalfa

Medicago Sativa

Design with this plant

Overview

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial flowering legume thriving in USDA zones 4-8. This hardy plant reaches up to 3 feet high and spreads 2 feet wide. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil, making it ideal for open, sunny landscapes. Its deep taproots enrich soil with nitrogen, supporting adjacent plant health. Showcasing purple blooms, Alfalfa offers forage for livestock and attracts pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in garden ecosystems.

Sun FullWater MediumZones 4–9Climate Temperate

Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) — Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial flowering legume thriving in USDA zones 4-8

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Medium
USDA zones: 4–9

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Fabaceae
Climate: Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (75)

Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) — Regular mowing or cutting can keep this vigorously growing plant in check and encourage dense; this hardy plant reaches, image 75

Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) — It requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil; adding texture and interest to the landscape, image 74

Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) — adding texture and interest to the landscape; alfalfa serves multiple functions, image 73

Related plants

Annual Lupine, Bicolored Lupine (Lupinus Bicolor) — The Bicolored Lupine (Lupinus bicolor) is a vibrant annual

Annual Lupine, Bicolored Lupine

Lupinus Bicolor

Full · Zones 7–10

Russian Pea Shrub (Caragana frutex) — The Russian Pea Shrub, Caragana frutex, is a hardy deciduous legume, maturing to 12-15 ft

Russian Pea Shrub

Caragana frutex

Full · Zones 2–7

Golden Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia 'Frisia') — commonly known as the Golden Locust

Golden Locust

Robinia Pseudoacacia 'Frisia'

Full · Zones 3–10

Chilean Mesquite (Prosopis Chilensis) — The Chilean Mesquite (Prosopis chilensis) is a drought-tolerant

Chilean Mesquite

Prosopis Chilensis

Full · Zones 8–11

Spiny Smoke Tree (Psorothamnus Spinosus) — growing 5-10 feet tall with an equal spread

Spiny Smoke Tree

Psorothamnus Spinosus

Full · Zones 9–10

Grape Soda Lupine (Lupinus Excubitus) — This drought-tolerant native stands 2-3 feet tall and thrives in well-drained soils

Grape Soda Lupine

Lupinus Excubitus

Full · Zones 9–10