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 (Medicago sativa) is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is also known as the lucerne. It is native to the Near East and central Asia. It has been introduced to Europe, central Africa, China, North America, and South America. Alfalfa is a crop. It is used to feed livestock.
Nutritional value
Alfalfa is high in protein, calcium and other minerals, vitamins in the B group, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. The sun-dried hay of alfalfa has been found to be a source of vitamin D, containing 48 ng/g (1920 IU/kg) vitamin D2 and 0.63 ng/g (25 IU/kg) vitamin D3. There is reference to vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 being found in the alfalfa shoot; this is awaiting verification. Mushrooms are not allowed in Jain vegetarianism, making alfalfa the only known source which Jains can use to make vitamin D2 supplements.
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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See also
In Spanish: Medicago sativa para niños
