Sainfoin
Onobrychis viciifolia
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Pl. 43F3 — Onobrychis viciifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Sainfoin, scientifically known as Onobrychis viciifolia, is a perennial forb or herb native to the Balkan region and parts of Central Europe, including Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Romania, and Yugoslavia. It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH range of 6 to 8.5. Sainfoin grows up to one meter tall and is known for its edible leaves, making it valuable as both an ornamental plant and a source of forage. Its distinctive feature includes the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility while also serving as a beneficial crop or garden addition.
Quick answers
What is Sainfoin?
Sainfoin, scientifically known as Onobrychis viciifolia, is a perennial forb or herb native to the Balkan region and parts of Central Europe, including Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Romania, and Yugoslavia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sainfoin thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soils with a pH between 6 and 8.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from USDA zones 5 to 9 and can grow up to 1 meter tall as a perennial forb/herb. For propagation, seeds or divisions can be used. Harvest the edible leaves for use in cooking.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–8.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Sainfoin for the first time
8steps
Start with sainfoin as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6 and 8.5, and prepare containers at least 12 inches wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep or plant young seedlings in the garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells, especially when leaves start to wilt. Prune dead or damaged growth as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light, and failing to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of sainfoin are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor. The plant thrives in light, moist conditions with a soil pH between 6 and 8.5.
Other uses:Soil conditionerErosion controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 22 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 22 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 8 native· 22 introduced
Europe8 regions
native (6)AustriaBulgariaFranceGreeceHungaryRomania
introduced (2)RussiaUkraine
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)ChinaUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia
introduced:Idaho, Illinois, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, Oregon, Primorye, Tadzhikistan, Tasmania, Vermont, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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