Medicago sativa, July 11, 2022
Common & scientific name
Alfalfa, Medicago sativa
Family
Pea, Fabaceae
Location
Roadside, 8,200’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
A quick history of this common roadside, and agriculturally cultivated, plant:
“Alfalfa originated in southwestern Asia, was first cultivated in Iran, and now has a worldwide distribution due to its popularity as an agricultural species. It was introduced into the United States in 1736 in Georgia, but it was not until around 1850 that it began to be more widely planted. It is planted in all 50 states and is widely planted in Canada. It is naturalized in many areas.”
USFS, FEIS website