UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Common Sainfoin

Herb Icon Naturalized Flower    
Image of Common Sainfoin
Onobrychis vicifolia
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Common Sainfoin
Scientific Name Onobrychis vicifolia
MainColor Pink
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Naturalized Flower Naturalized
Season Found June (Jun - Aug)
ImageUrl Onobrychis-001
Photographer DP
Location Found Abbots Langley
Country Found UK
Last Updated 03 September 2026
Photo Quality A

Flower Details

Description

A deep-rooted perennial legume with spikes of pink, pea-like flowers. It is valued as a forage crop and for soil improvement due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities.

Distribution

Native to parts of Europe and Asia. Cultivated in the UK for forage and occasionally naturalised along field margins and verges.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Used in agriculture to promote healthy livestock digestion and reduce bloat in ruminants.

Edibility

Edible for livestock and safe in forage mixes; not generally eaten by humans.

Human Toxicity
Non_Toxic

Generally safe, but as with many legumes, large amounts may cause mild digestive upset.

Pet Toxicity

Not Toxic

Active Compounds

annins, flavonoids, saponins.

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