Medicago sativa

Family: Fabaceae
Common Name: alfalfa
Symbol: MESA
Description: Erect or sometimes decumbant perennials, 2-8 (10) dm; leaflets obovate to oblong-oblanceolate or narrowly lanceolate, 1-2.5 cm long; inflorescence of an axillary racemes with 8-numerous crowded flowers; calyx 4-5.5 mm long; flowers urple or rarely white, 8-11 mm long; legumes coiled with (1) 2-3 turns or occasionally falcate, 4-6 (8) mm diam., glabrous to hairy. Common along roadsides, in fields, and disturbed areas, 4000-9500 ft. May-Oct.