Skip to main content

Sainfoin is a fodder crop that is highly nutritious for livestock and also provides nectar for bees.

Latin Name

Onobrychis viciifolia


Family

Fabaceae


Type of Plant

Crops Crops
Perennials Perennials

Bloom Season

July - August

Seasons

Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 3'
Max spread Max Spread: 2'

Uses

  • Crop

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Drought

  • Colors


    Native Range

    Europe, Asia


    History

    Washington was constantly experimenting with sainfoin, but failing.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator
    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Botanical Garden Fruit Garden & Nursery

  • Botanical Garden
  • Fruit Garden & Nursery

  • Hardiness Zones

    5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

    Shop Now