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| ## alfalfa {#alfalfa .Title-Header}                                   |
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| *Medicago sativa* L.                                                  |
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| Plant Symbol = MESA                                                   |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

![Color image of Alfalfa (Medicago
sativa)](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.1251968503937007in"
height="2.083464566929134in"}

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

*Crops*: Alfalfa is harvested as hay which is processed or fed directly
to livestock, or for seed production. It is also used in pellets as
forage supplements.

*Livestock*: This plant is grown in combination with grasses in improved
pastures. It is grazed by all types of domestic livestock. Caution
should be taken when using alfalfa for grazing due to its high bloat
hazard.

*Wildlife*: Alfalfa is an excellent food for antelope, deer, elk, Canada
goose, and sage and sharp tail grouse. It is fair food for sandhill
crane, mallard, Hungarian partridge, and pheasant.

In addition to providing high quality hay, grazing, and wildlife forage
and protection, alfalfa is an important source of leaf meal used for
fortifying baby food and other special diet foods prepared for human
use. Large quantities of dehydrated alfalfa are also used in
manufacturing concentrated feeds for poultry and livestock.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Weediness {#weediness .Header-3}

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and
may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please
consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service
office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding
its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS
Web site at plants.usda.gov.

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

*Medicago sativa* L., alfalfa, is a long-lived perennial 1egume. Flowers
vary in color from purple to yellow and are borne in loose clusters.
Pods of alfalfa range from the sickle type to those that are twisted
into spirals. Each pod contains several small kidney‑shaped seeds.
Alfalfa's stems are erect and grow from a woody crown to about 2 to 3
feet tall. New growth occurs from buds in the crown. The plant has a tap
root which may penetrate deep into the soil. Leaves are alternately
arranged on the stem and are normally trifoliate.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Alfalfa grows best on deep, well-drained, friable soils. Lands subject
to frequent overflows or high water tables are unfavorable for alfalfa.
The pH of the soil should be 6.5 or above.

Alfalfa is distributed throughout the entire United States. For a
current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page for this
species on the PLANTS Website.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

A seedbed must be smooth, firm, free of weeds and trash, and contain
adequate moisture for germination and emergence. Land grading must be
sufficient to ensure good surface draining. Alfalfa should not be seeded
as a first crop on newly leveled land where fill may settle and cause
poor surface drainage.

Five pounds of scarified, properly inoculated pure live seed (PLS) per
acre evenly drilled ¼-inch deep on adapted, properly prepared sites will
produce adequate stands. A combination drill and packer is desirable.

Cultipacking soil before and after seeding is helpful to establishing a
stand. Seeding depths should be no greater than ¼ inch on finer textured
soils and no greater than ½ inch on sandy soils Spring seedings can be
made 30 days before the average date of last killing frost. Other dates
of seeding may be made during the late summer.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

In general, graze or cut for hay when alfalfa is in early bloom. Graze
or cut to about a 2-inch height. Successive grazings and cuttings for
hay should occur at ¼ bloom stage or after a 5 to 6 week recovery
period. Alfalfa can best withstand grazing if rotated frequently or
grazed in small strips. The last cutting of alfalfa should be made 3 to
4 weeks before the first killing frost date.

Alfalfa may cause livestock to bloat. Care should be used in managing
such grazing to reduce the possibility of this hazard.

##### Pests and Potential Problems {#pests-and-potential-problems .Header-3}

Alfalfa is susceptible to the spotted or pea aphid, alfalfa weevil, stem
nematode, bacterial wilt, snout beetle, and several leaf spots.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

Alfalfa is the oldest crop grown for forage and there are many cultivars
available on the open market. More than 440 publicly and privately
developed cultivars were approved for certified seed production in the
U.S. between 1962 and 1992. For a specific state or region of the U.S.,
use cultivars that are adapted and have been tested for local
performance. Cultivars are readily available from commercial seed
vendors.

##### Control {#control .Header-3}

Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county
weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it
safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control
method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to
provide specific information. USDA, NRCS does not guarantee or warranty
the products and control methods named, and other products may be
equally effective.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinator:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinator .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

##### 

##### Edited: 05Feb2002 JLK; 25may06jsp {#edited-05feb2002-jlk-25may06jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
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origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
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large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
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