Plant Overview
A British native meadow wildflower which is one of the best nectar and pollen providers for Short and Long-tongued Bumblebees, Honeybees and Solitary Bees. The nectar is secreted exceptionally freely and is considered one of the highest yielding forage plants.
This perennial legume has pinky-red flowers from May to September. Grow in a wildflower meadow or wildlife area or in a bed or border in any free-draining soil.
Extremely drought tolerant and will grow in fertile or very poor soil.
Until Victorian times this plant was a valued forage crop for grazing animals. Highly prized by bee keepers now.
Height and Spread: 75cm x 45cm (but typically sprawls and grows through and among other foliage unless supported)
Common names: Common Sainfoin; Single-cut Sainfoin.
Photo: javier martin, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons