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Fabaceae
Sainfoin
Onobrychis viciifolia
Wholesome nourishment.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Genus
- Onobrychis
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia, Mediterranean
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- perennial herb
- Height
- 1-3 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- chalky, dry, well-drained
- Water
- low
- Hardiness
- 4-8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Sainfoin was one of the most important fodder crops in Europe before modern agriculture, highly prized as livestock feed.
- The name 'sainfoin' comes from the French 'sain foin,' meaning 'wholesome hay.'
- It is an exceptional bee plant — honey produced from sainfoin is prized for its fine flavor.
- Unlike most legume fodder crops, sainfoin does not cause bloat in cattle and sheep.
- The striking pink flower spikes make it attractive enough for inclusion in wildflower meadow mixes and ornamental gardens.
Color meanings
0
nourishment
1
vitality
2
agricultural tradition