Alfalfa
Medicago sativa
- Layer 4 · Herbaceous
- Nitrogen fixer
Status by region
No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.
Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).
Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.
About
Native to South-West Asia, lucerne is a perennial herbaceous plant characterised by its deep root system. In a food forest, it plays a vital role as a nitrogen fixer and subsoil mineral extractor, providing high-quality biomass through regular pruning.
It is harvested now — July is one of the harvest months.
See which trees the alfalfa grows well with
Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.
No account needed.
Needs
- Water: Low
- Light: Full sun
- Size: Herbaceous up to 1 m
- Mature diameter: 0.4 m
- Soils: Loam, Sandy, Limestone
- Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold
Calendar
- January
- February
- March — Planting
- April — Harvest — Planting
- May — Harvest
- June — Harvest
- July — Harvest
- August — Harvest
- September — Harvest — Planting
- October — Harvest — Planting
- November
- December
- Harvest
- Planting
Medicinal use: Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is traditionally used to combat fatigue and help reduce cholesterol.
Where to buy
Grows well with
Central trees this plant has already been paired with.
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
It is harvested now — July is one of the harvest months.
See which trees the alfalfa grows well with
Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.
No account needed.
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