Onobrychis viciifolia 'Sainfoin'

[Ex. Wiltshire, England]

Fabaceae/Leguminosae: A distinctive straggly, slightly downy perennial to 75cm. found in dry, calcareous grassland. The flowers are pink with red veins, in conical spicks to 8cm long, blooming from June-August. The leaves comprise of 6-14 pair of oval leaflets. Possibly native to South East England, but found only as a relic of cultivation elsewhere. Native to Europe, including Britain, from France south and east to Spain, Siberia, Caucasus and Iran.

USES:

Used as a soil conditioner for poor light soils. The plants can be grown on the land for a number of years, the deep tap roots breaking up the sub-soil and bringing up minerals from below. Plants can be cut during the growing season but care must be taken not to cut too low because the tap root tends to rise above ground level and the plant can be killed if this is cut off. The plant has an extensive root system and is useful for stabilizing soils.

In Asia Sainfoin is used for fodder and to attract bees.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Pre-soak seeds for 12 hours in warm water and sow in situ in the spring. Seed can also be sown in situ in the autumn. If seed is in short supply, then it might be wiser to sow it in pots in a cold frame in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Prefers a well-drained neutral to alkaline sandy loam in full sun. Succeeds in poor soils, but dislikes shade and does not succeed in wet soils. Easy!

HARVESTED: 2020

 
APPROX. 200+ SEEDS