Medicago sativa
(Wild Alfalfa)
Medicago sativa, Paonia River Park, Delta Co. 8572
Medicago sativa, Sylvan Lake Rd., Eagle Co. 3077
Medicago sativa, Fourmile Area, Chaffee Co. 6515
Medicago sativa, Fourmile Area, Chaffee Co. 6532
| Scientific Name | Medicago sativa | USDA PLANTS Symbol | MESA |
| Common Name | Wild Alfalfa | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 183623 |
| Family | Fabaceae (Pea) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Foothills and montane (4000 to 9500 ft.); roadsides, fields, openings, disturbed areas. Plant: Erect perennial bush with 5 to 25 or more erect stems 9 to 36 inches tall. Leaves: Leaves: Compound ternate leaves with narrowly lanceolate to obovate leaflets up to 1-inch long with small teeth along edges. Inflorescence: Short racemes of flowers 1/2 to 2 inches long; each typical pea-like flower about 1/3-inch long, consisting of 5 lavender or purple petals, 10 stamens, a single pistil, and a green calyx. Bloom Period: May to October. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SEINet and Illinois Wildflowers. |
BONAP Distribution Map
Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Introduced |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County