Alfalfa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alfalfa |
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| Medicago sativa | |
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Trifolieae
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| Genus: |
Medicago
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| Binomial name | |
| Medicago sativa |
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Alfalfa (also called lucerne) is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. This plant originally came from the Near East and central Asia. Over time, it has been brought to many other places around the world. You can now find it in Europe, Africa, China, North America, and South America. Alfalfa is an important crop. Farmers grow it mainly to feed animals like cows, horses, and sheep.
What Makes Alfalfa Healthy?
Alfalfa is packed with good things that help animals grow strong. It has a lot of protein, which is important for building muscles. It also contains calcium and other minerals that are good for bones.
This plant is also full of different B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These vitamins help the body in many ways, from keeping you healthy to helping your blood clot. Sun-dried alfalfa hay is a natural source of vitamin D.
Images for kids
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A close up of alfalfa sprouts, which are commonly used as a garnish on soups or as a filling in sandwiches and salads.
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Lucerne fields in the Kalahari Desert (2017) 24°20′21.5″S 018°35′36.4″E / 24.339306°S 18.593444°E
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Honey bee (Apis mellifera), a pollinator on alfalfa flower
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Alfalfa hay on the way to Clayton, New Mexico, circa 1915.
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Cylindrical bales of alfalfa
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Worldwide alfalfa production
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Alfalfa field
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Small square bales of alfalfa
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Watering an alfalfa field
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Bee on alfalfa flower
See also
In Spanish: Medicago sativa para niños
