Sainfoin
Onobrychis viciifolia
- Native to:
- Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania
Prozag
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Onobrychis
- Species:
- Onobrychis viciifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- ONVI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, white
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Army cutworm (Euxoa auxiliaris)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Nevada bumble bee (Bombus nevadensis), Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, calcareous, loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers calcareous soils; avoids waterlogged conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of the hard seed coat improves germination. Inoculation with appropriate Rhizobium recommended for nitrogen fixation.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 10C. Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.