Onobrychis viciifolia
(Sainfoin)
Onobrychis viciifolia, Buzzard Divide Rd., Mesa Co. 4126
Onobrychis viciifolia, Buzzard Divide Rd., Mesa Co. 4130
Onobrychis viciifolia, Buzzard Divide Rd., Mesa Co. 4120
Onobrychis viciifolia, Buzzard Divide Rd., Mesa Co. 4136
Onobrychis viciifolia, Buzzard Divide Rd., Mesa Co. 4142
| Scientific Name | Onobrychis viciifolia | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ONVI |
| Common Name | Sainfoin | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 26810 |
| Family | Fabaceae (Pea) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (5000 to 9000 ft.); various soils in grasslands, open forests, roadsides and disturbed areas. Plant: Perennial with several erect or ascending stems 12 to 32 inches tall tall; stems with sparse stiff hairs. Leaves: Alternate, pinnately-compound blades, each with 11 to 27 leaflets that are obovate to narrowly elliptic, 0.4 to 1.2 inches long; upper surface has tiny red dots [not evident in images here], lower surface slightly hairy. Inflorescence: A dense spike-like raceme of 10 to 50 pea-like flowers arising from the leaf axils to above the leaves; each corolla about 1/2-inch long or less, pink to lavender with reddish-purple lines; bell-shaped, hairy calyx below the corolla with long, narrow, pointed teeth. Bloom Period: May to August. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and E-Flora BC. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Introduced |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
I try to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information, but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of any information presented on this website. I use authoritative references to insure high standards of accuracy and review and update the information frequently.