Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
sativa
ID:
214139

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl.: 778 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000213468

Common Names

  • Alfalfa
  • Lucerne
  • Medicago Sativa

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Synonyms

  • Medica sativa Lam. [unknown]
  • Medicago sativa sativa [unknown]
  • Medicago praesativa spontanea Sinskaya [unknown]
  • Medicago sativa vulgaris (Alef.) Arcang. [invalid]
  • Medicago vera Kirschl. [illegitimate]
  • Medicago sativa microphylla Pau [invalid]
  • Medica sativa (L.) Mill. [unknown]
  • Medicago sativa vulgaris Alef. [invalid]

Description

Medicago sativa (also called Alfalfa, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the legume family. It is an annual herb, native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and it is found in a variety of habitats, such as grasslands, meadows, and disturbed areas.

Uses & Benefits

Medicago sativa is used as a fodder crop and forage for livestock.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Medicago sativa sub. sativa
Medicago sativa sub. faurei Maire
Medicago sativa sub. glomerata (Balb.) Rouy

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Medicago sativa is a yellow, five-petaled bloom. Its seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Medicago sativa is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is easy to propagate by seed and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate light frosts. It can be propagated by division in spring or autumn.

Where to Find Medicago sativa

Medicago sativa is native to Europe, and can be found in dry grasslands and rocky slopes. It is a short-lived perennial, and is often found in disturbed areas.

Medicago sativa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Medicago sativa?

Medicago sativa

What is the common name of Medicago sativa?

Alfalfa

Where is Medicago sativa native to?

Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia

Species in the Medicago genus

Medicago secundiflora, Medicago minima, Medicago fischeriana, Medicago monantha, Medicago orthoceras, Medicago polyceratia, Medicago medicaginoides, Medicago heldreichii, Medicago rigida, Medicago brachycarpa, Medicago ruthenica, Medicago papillosa, Medicago radiata, Medicago platycarpa, Medicago monspeliaca, Medicago bonarotiana, Medicago carstiensis, Medicago daghestanica, Medicago minima, Medicago astroites, Medicago crassipes, Medicago edgeworthii, Medicago laxispira, Medicago noeana, Medicago persica, Medicago phrygia, Medicago retrorsa, Medicago constricta, Medicago globosa, Medicago heyniana, Medicago ovalis, Medicago archiducis-nicolai, Medicago lanigera, Medicago sinskiae, Medicago makranica, Medicago arabica, Medicago arborea, Medicago coronata, Medicago disciformis, Medicago doliata, Medicago falcata, Medicago granadensis, Medicago granatensis, Medicago hypogaea, Medicago intertexta, Medicago tornata, Medicago laciniata, Medicago littoralis, Medicago lupulina, Medicago marina,

Species in the Fabaceae family