Onobrychis viciifolia

Sainfoin

Common names: Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), Sainfoin (German: Esparsette)

Photo: javier martin · Public Domain · Source

This description was machine-translated.

Description

Sainfoin is a perennial, deep‑rooted legume that thrives on calcareous, dry soils and can also colonise lean sites. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules and breaks up compacted layers with a robust taproot. Its pinkish‑red flower spikes are among the best for bees and bumblebees.

Care instructions

Sow in spring (April/May, weeks 14‑22) or late summer (August, week 32) on lime‑rich, well‑drained soil, avoid waterlogging. As a perennial, it can be left in the field for two to three years. Mow at full bloom for optimal pollinator support and incorporate the remaining growth into the following crop.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6.5–88.0

Soil type

sandy, loamy, well-drained, dry, lime-loving, lean

LightFull sun

HardinessHardy

Water needLow

Feeding

Light feeder

Companion planting

Good neighbors

cabbage family (Brassicaceae)

particularly well established

Leguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.

For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

carrot family (Apiaceae)

Peas and beans provide carrot and celery with nitrogen and grow as shallow-rooted plants without competition next to each other.

For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

gourd family (Cucurbitaceae)

Beans and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucurbits, as heavy feeders, can make good use of.

For example CucumberPumpkinCourgettepickling cucumberButternutHokkaido and 14 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

Rather not

amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)

particularly well established

Allium species inhibit the nitrogen‑fixing rhizobia of legumes through their root exudates, which slows their growth.

For example GarlicOnionLeekChivesDaffodilRocambole and 12 more species in the catalogue

Source: basic crop‑rotation rule

Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.

Some of these explanations were machine-translated.

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