The alfalfa plant is perennial, new growth rising each year from the crown. Stems reach to 3 feet, and 5 to 25 stems may rise from a single crown. The pinnately trifoliate leaves are arranged altemately on the stems. Alfalfa pasture is excellent for hogs, but cattle on alfalfa pasture are subject to bloat unless carefully adapted to the pasture. When seeded with grasses bloat is less of a problem.
Much alfalfa is ground as a meal used in feed mixes.
Alfalfa hay is highly palatable and nutritious with very high digestible protein, mineral and vitamin contents.