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Alfalfa

Medicago Sativa

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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 4–9Type PerennialClimate Temperate
Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) — adding texture and interest to the landscape

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Medium
USDA zones
4–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Fabaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (95)

Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) — Alfalfa offers forage for livestock and attracts pollinators; enhancing biodiversity in garden ecosystems
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 nitrogen back into the soil through its root nodules
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Medicago Sativa
Photographs by 3 contributors

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