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Medicago sativa


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Medicago sativa
  • Scientific Name: Medicago sativa
  • Common Name: alfalfa
  • Symbol: MESA
  • Category: Dicot
  • Genus: Medicago
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Family Common Name: Pea family
  • Order: Fabales
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Duration: Annual, Perennial
  • Growth Habit: Forb/herb
  • Native Status: L48 (I), AK (I), HI (I), PR (I), VI (I), CAN (I)
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flower Conspicuous: Yes
  • Foliage Color: Green
  • Foliage Texture: Fine
  • Fruit Color: Brown
  • Fruit Color: Brown
  • Edible: yes
  • AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA ME MI MN MO MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY

    Alfalfa


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  • Scientific Name: Medicago sativa
  • Common Name(s): Alfalfa, lucerne
  • Edible: yes
  • Medicinal: yes
  • Parts Used: root, stem, leaf


  • pugslee
    16 May, 2011

    Alfalfa has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to treat kidney stones, and to alleviate fluid retention and swelling. It is a perennial herb that grows throughout the world in a variety of climates. It grows to about three feet and has violet flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. First discovered by the Arabs, they called the plant the "father of all foods". They fed it to their horses claiming it made the animals fast and healthy. The leaves of the plant are rich in minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene. Alfalfa is also rich in protein, vitamins E and K. The plant extract is used by food producers as a source of chlorophyll and carotene. The leaves contain eight essential amino acids. It has proven itself to be a good laxative and a natural diuretic. It is useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections, kidney, bladder and prostrate disorders. It alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver. Alfalfa promotes pituitary gland function and contains an anti-fungus agent. Part Used: Whole herb and leaf. Common use: This herb is also a folk remedy for arthritis, diabetes, asthma, hay fever, and is alleged to be a good appetite stimulant and overall tonic. It is a good source of minerals, chlorophyll, vitamins and is is high in chlorophyll. TO MUCH ALFALFA IS A BAD THING ENJOY IT AS A EDIBLE GARNISH WITH OTHER FOODS.
    Current Rating: 0.0000
    pugslee
    16 May, 2011

    I have ate quite a bit of it at one time, its a great garnish on salads, and burgers. a pound of seed and be gathered really quick, try placing the seeds on a wet cloth in the sun light and spraying with water. before you know it you will have the sprouts to eat. Cant find any in the wild go to a feed and seed store and buy some its really good
    Current Rating: 0.0000
    All Pictures

    Alfalfa Alfalfa


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