Falcata Yellow Blossom Alfalfa

$9.80
  • Scientific name: Medicago sativa ssp. falcata
  • AKA Medicago falcata
  • Superior drought resistance over alfalfa
  • Winter-hardy and tolerates pH up to 8.5
  • Nitrogen-fixing rangeland legume
  • Persistent in harsh, competitive grazing applications
  • Should not be grazed until the second year
  • Excellent in grass mixes or interseeding
  • Improved with Apex seed coating
  • Improved with Quickstart micronutrient package

Quantity is per pound. Example: 1 = 1 lb, 2 = 2 lbs, 3 = 3lbs, etc. This is pure seed, not a live plant.


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Map of Falcata Alfalfa Distribution Area
Falcata Alfalfa Distribution Area

Min. to Max. Annual Precipitation

36in.

Average Max. Height

Also known as Yellow Flower Alfalfa or simply “Falcata” (Medicago sativa ssp. falcata) is a subspecies of alfalfa. Demonstrates superior drought resistance over alfalfa. Has more of a creeping or fibrous spreading root system than purple-flowered alfalfas. Winter-hardy and tolerates pH up to 8.5. Falcata alfalfa readily establishes in native rangelands and persistent in harsh, competitive grazing applications on semiarid rangelands and irrigated pastures. Performs very well in seed mixes. Very drought and winter hardy. Can persist on rangeland by going dormant during challenging conditions.

New and improved with Apex seed coating and Quickstart micronutrients.

Falcata Yellow Blossom alfalfa, also known as Yellow Flower Alfalfa or simply “Falcata” (Medicago sativa ssp. falcata) is a subspecies of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) that demonstrates superior drought resistance over alfalfa. Falcata alfalfa offers great promise by introducing a drought tolerant, nitrogen-fixing legume to the rangelands of the US. displays some key differences from the much more common purple-flowered alfalfas used for hay production.  It has more of a creeping or fibrous root system than purple-flowered alfalfas, which allows it to spread by root. It is also winter-hardy and tolerates pH up to 8.5.

While other alfalfa varieties have met with poor establishment success on rangelands, falcata alfalfa readily establishes in native rangelands. It is persistent in harsh, competitive grazing applications on semiarid rangelands and irrigated pastures. Significantly more persistent in grazing applications than purple-flowered alfalfas. Falcata longevityis a result of its fibrous roots which compete well for limited soil moisture, and its deeply set crown and buds. The fibrous, creeping root mass may also help defend against invasion by weedy annual bromes such as cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum. Enters complete dormancy when water is limited for extended periods and regrow when moisture returns. Falcata has a high dormancy and hard seed count, so we have improved our seed viability by adding Apex seed coating and Quickstart micronutrients.

Falcata Yellow Blossom Alfalfa can be described as a spreading plant. It compete well with most native western grasses but may struggle against smooth brome. Falcata Yellow Flower Alfalfa should not be grazed until the second year. Falcata alfalfa presents less risk of bloat in grazing and responds well to grazing pressure. Falcata will not dominate in mixed plantings with grasses. It’s low growth form stays well below the canopy of most grasses. It is frequently used in grass mixes and in rangeland interseeding projects. It is best used in mixes, not as a single species planting and because falcata seed is much smaller than purple-flowered alfalfas a small amount in a blend is sufficient. It is extremely drought and winter hardy and can persist on rangeland by going dormant during challenging conditions.

Can be spring, late summer, early fall or frost seeded.
Recommended Full Seeding Rate: 10 lbs/acre
Recommended Interseeding rate (into existing grass):  1-3 lbs per acre
Ideal Seed Depth: ½”

New and improved with Apex seed coating and Quickstart micronutrient package.

Apex Seed Coating

Apex™ seed coating is a scientifically formulated package of minerals and carefully selected strains of rhizobia bacteria in a coating designed for legume seeds. Coating provides consistent ability to convert a higher percentage of legume seed to viable seedlings, as compared to uncoated seed. Apex surrounds each seed with a rich concentration of rhizobia, providing a micro-environment for quick growth. The hygroscopic qualities of the coating material pull moisture to the seed and are especially beneficial in dry soils and shallow planted seed.

Summit Seed Coating

QuickStart Micronutrients

QuickStart Micronutrient Package improves seedling growth by providing plants with small amounts of important nutrients right after germination – before the plant can easily access soil nutrients on its own. Enhanced early nutrition, more vigorous seedlings and bigger roots help the young crop grow through challenging early-season conditions such as cool and wet, or hot and dry environments. A treatment of QuickStart results in a more robust and healthy stand and greater yields for the grower.

Summit Seed Coating

FALCATA YELLOW BLOSSOM ALFALFA
(Medicago sativa subsp. falcata)

Falcata Yellow Blossom Alfalfa USDA Plant Guide

PDF version of NRCS Plant Guide & Fact Sheet

Prepared By: Durling, J.C., USDA-NRCS Rose Lake Plant Materials Center; T.S. Dietz, Monsanto and formerly Crop & Soil Sciences Department, Michigan State University; W.L. Duckwitz and N.K. Jensen, USDA-NRCS Bismarck Plant Materials Center; and K.A. Cassida, Department of Plant, Soil, & Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University

Download PDF

Helpful Links

Additional information about this product can be found on the academic websites linked below.

Synonyms

Many plants have more than one common and scientific name. We've listed a few of them below.

  • Falcata Yellow Blossom Alfalfa
  • Medicago sativa var falcata
  • Yellow Flower Alfalfa

Who is Great Basin Seed?

Great Basin Seed is a seed company that specializes in seed sales and consultation for home, ranch, farm, range and reclamation. We have been a leader in the seed industry since 1974.

Our History

We've been in the seed business since 1974.

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Right: Company founder Lloyd and his wife Paula Stevens in a wildflower seed production field circa 1977

Quick Plant Facts
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