Perennial nitrogen-fixing legume with a branching taproot and bright yellow clustered flowers. Potentially long-lived in northern regions; cold hardy. Tolerant of marginal ground, including shallow soils with low fertility, low pH, and poor drainage, as well as heaving soils unsuited to Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Less forage yield than alfalfa in well-drained, fertile soils. Non-bloating and fine stemmed, excellent for hay, grazing pasture and wildlife habitat. Superior forage quality to alfalfa. Low seedling vigor; mix with non-aggressive perennial grasses to improve forage yield and prevent lodging. Intolerant of summer overgrazing. Avoid fall grazing to improve winter survival and spring growth. Readily reseeds itself. Grow to maturity every third year to allow seed-set and maintain the stand. Pollen and nectar used by honeybees and bumble bees. Varieties listed below.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Fabaceae

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Forb

Native Status: Introduced

Growth Form:

Mature Height:  24-36 in.

Bloom Color: Yellow

Bloom Period:

Annual Precipitation:  in.

Drought Tolerance:

Shade Tolerance:

Fire Resistance:

Fire Tolerance:

Nitrogen fixation:

Bloat: Non-bloat

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture:

Medium Texture:

Fine Texture:

Salinity Tolerance:

CaCO3 Tolerance:

pH Range:

SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 375,000

Seeding Rate: lbs/acre

Season:

Days to Germination: