Sainfoin Onobrychis viciifolia
A particularly nectar and pollen-rich perennial wildflower, Sainfoin is attractive to a great number of pollinating insects and is a bright and useful addition to your summer flowering wildflower meadow or garden.
This low-growing, drought-resistant species produces attractive pink spikes from June through to September, and the late flowers are particularly useful for providing native bees with winter reserves of food.
Sainfoin is a long-lived perennial flowering in the year after establishment and returning for many years thereafter.
Best sown in the late spring in April or May, germination rates can be improved by scarifying the seeds between two sheets of sandpaper to break down the hard outer shell.
| Binomial Name | Onobrychis viciifolia |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Colour | Pink |
| Height | 60-100cm |
| Soil Type | •Chalky •Sandy •Loam •Well-draining •Dry |
| Habitat | •Grassland •Dry banks •Field margins |
| Sunlight | ✔Full sun |
| Best Time to Sow | •March •April •May •September •October |
| Flowering Season | •June •July •August •September |