Medicago sativa

(Wild Alfalfa)

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Medicago sativa, Fourmile Area, Chaffee Co. 6515

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Medicago sativa, Paonia River Park, Delta Co. 8572

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Medicago sativa, Sylvan Lake Rd., Eagle Co. 3077

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Medicago sativa, Lathrop State Park, Huerfano Co. 7690

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Medicago sativa, Lathrop State Park, Huerfano Co. 7695

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Medicago sativa, Fourmile Area, Chaffee Co. 6532

Scientific Name Medicago sativa USDA PLANTS Symbol MESA
Common Name Wild Alfalfa ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 183623
Family Fabaceae (Pea) SEINet
Reference
Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills and montane (4000 to 9500 ft.); roadsides, fields, openings, disturbed areas.
Plant: Erect perennial bush with 5 to 25 or more erect stems 9 to 36 inches tall.
Leaves: Leaves: Compound ternate leaves with narrowly lanceolate to obovate leaflets up to 1-inch long with small teeth along edges.
Inflorescence: Short racemes of flowers 1/2 to 2 inches long; each typical pea-like flower about 1/3-inch long, consisting of 5 lavender or purple petals, 10 stamens, a single pistil, and a green calyx.
Bloom Period: May to October.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SEINet and Illinois Wildflowers.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Introduced

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains