Medicago falcata, commonly known as yellow lucerne or sickle alfalfa, is a perennial herb native to a wide range of habitats including grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, and roadsides across much of Europe and Asia. It typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 0.6 meters and spreads to form low clumps. This species is characterized by its sickle-shaped pods and bright yellow flowers that bloom from June to August, providing a modest display. The plant’s deep root system allows it to access water from deeper soil layers, making it drought-resistant.

Yellow lucerne is valued for its ability to improve soil fertility through its symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. It is used in agriculture as a forage crop for livestock and as a green manure to enrich agricultural soils. In gardens, it can be used as a ground cover to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can become weedy and potentially invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting it in areas where it is not native.CC BY-SA 4.0