Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) “Lucerne”
Cultivated Worldwide of the Fabaceae Family, a Perennial native to Southwest Asia
It grows to 3ft tall, has purple flowers and blooms in the late spring
It thrives with well drained soil, a PH of 6.8-7.5. Requires potassium and phosphorus. Does very well in hotter climates like Arizona and California.
Insectary: Only pollinated by young bees. Bees do not like receiving nectar from the plant because there is a tripping mechanism that causes the bees to be smacked in the head, this mechanism releases pollen to the bee, but because of the assault, bees do not return to this plant. One bee type, the Megachille Rodundata, does not mind working with this flower and will continue to pollinate and gain nectar from it.
Alfalfa has primarily been used as cattle feed, and horse fodder. It is a great source of Vitamin A, C, E, K, Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus. It is used as a garnish.
It is great for high cholesterol, diabetes, and indigestion. It may act like estrogen in high levels, and is not recommended for those with autoimmune diseases,