Overview

Onobrychis vitifolia is a perennial herb in the genus Onobrychis, part of the Fabaceae family. Onobrychis vitifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include forage, soil improvement and bee forage. It is native to Eurasia.

About

Onobrychis vitifolia is a member of the legume family Fabaceae within the genus Onobrychis and produces clusters of pale-pink, pea-type flowers in summer. The plant bears pinnate leaves with multiple leaflet pairs and develops single-seeded pods with conspicuous projections. Flowering takes place from June to August and its blooms are visited by honey bees and solitary bees. The seed pods are adapted to cling to animals and aid natural dispersal.

About the genus

Onobrychis, the sainfoins, are a genus of Eurasian perennial herbaceous plants of the legume family (Fabaceae). About 206 species are presently accepted. The Flora Europaea lists 23 species of Onobrychis; the main centre of diversity extends from Central Asia to Iran, with 56 species – 27 of which are endemic – in the latter country alone.

Wikipedia contributors, "Onobrychis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Onobrychis

In the garden

Onobrychis vitifolia sits within the sainfoins, a group of Eurasian leguminous herbaceous plants in the family Fabaceae. As part of this genus it displays pinnate leaves composed of several leaflet pairs and summer flowerheads of pale-pink, pea-like blooms. The flowering season runs from June to August, and the flowers are attractive to both honey bees and solitary bees. Expect the plant to produce rounded, single-seeded pods after flowering; many Onobrychis species carry prominent spikes or projections on their pods which assist dispersal by clinging to animals. For gardeners interested in pollinator activity, leaving the flowerheads through the summer months allows visits from bees and the subsequent development of seed. Observing seed-set will also demonstrate the genus's natural dispersal strategy. Use the plant where its summer flowers can be appreciated and where its seed pods can be left to mature undisturbed; the pods are a distinctive, diagnostic feature and a practical way the species extends its presence in grassland and meadow settings. The protruding structures on the pods make them readily recognisable when checking for ripe seed.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Onobrychis

Sunlight

full sun

Soil type

well-drained, sandy or loamy

Soil pH

neutral to alkaline

Soil moisture

dry to medium

Exposure

sheltered to exposed

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Onobrychis vitifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herb

Suggested uses

forage, soil improvement, bee forage

Native to

Eurasia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Onobrychis vitifolia

Cultivation

prefers well-drained soils, avoid waterlogging, drought tolerant once established

Pruning

cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth

Propagation

seed

Frequently asked questions