plant

Sainfoin

Onobrychis viciifolia

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) — a plant, for Full sun, Low water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun
Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh
Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence typically occurs after the last spring frost when soil temperatures consistently reach 5°C.
floweringFlowering begins approximately 60 days after emergence and can last for about 45 days.
fruitingFruiting follows flowering, starting about 30 days after the onset of flowering and lasting for a month.
harvestHarvest typically occurs about 20 days after fruiting begins, when seeds are mature.
senescenceSenescence begins with the first autumn frost, leading to dormancy.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingYes
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatesnitrogen
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationnone
Self-seedingModerate

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, pollinators