Onobrychis viciifolia, commonly known as common sainfoin, is a perennial herb that is part of the legume family. It is native to grasslands and open woodlands in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. This plant typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and a similar width. Common sainfoin has pinnate leaves and produces showy spikes of pink to purple flowers in the late spring and early summer, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees. The plant is also known for its deep taproot, which helps it access water from deeper soil layers.

Common sainfoin is valued for its ability to grow in poor soils and its drought tolerance, making it a useful plant in sustainable agriculture. It is often used in pastures for grazing or as a hay crop due to its high nutritional value for livestock and anthelmintic properties, which can reduce nematode parasitism in small ruminants. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soils but is less demanding regarding soil fertility. It is less competitive than alfalfa and clover, which can be an advantage in mixed pastures where biodiversity is desired. While not commonly found in ornamental gardens, it can be used in wildflower meadows or as part of ecological restoration projects. Potential problems include susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils and competition from more aggressive species in a mixed sward.CC BY-SA 4.0