Wildflowers of Arizona Field Guide (Wildflower Identification Guides)

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Nora Bowers is a writer and photographer. A member of the North American Nature Photography Association, Nora’s credits include Birder’s World Magazine, as well as many books and calendars. She is coauthor of field guides for several states. Rick Bowers is a photographer, naturalist, and writer. He has been photographing nature for more than 35 years. Rick’s photo credits span the gamut, from National Geographic to local publications. He is coauthor of field guides for several states. Stan Tekiela is a naturalist, wildlife photographer, and writer and is the originator of the popular state-specific field guide series. Stan has authored more than 190 educational books, including field guides, quick guides, nature books, children’s books, playing cards and more, presenting many species of animals and plants. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 30 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers, and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations. Stan can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

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Alfalfa
Medicago sativa

Family: Pea or Bean (Fabaceae)

Height: 12-36" (30-91 cm)

Flower: tight spike cluster, 1-2" (2.5-5 cm) long, of deep purple-to-dark blue flowers (can range to light blue); each small flower, 1⁄4-1⁄3" (.6-.8 cm) long, has 1 large upper petal and 3 smaller lower petals

Leaf: 3-parted and clover-like, 1-2" (2.5-5 cm) long, with sharp-toothed margins near tips

Fruit: downy green seedpod that twists into coils, turning nearly black with age

Bloom: Apr-Oct

Cycle/Origin: perennial, non-native

Habitat: all life zones at all elevations; agricultural areas, fields, along roads

Range: throughout

Notes: This deep-rooted plant is usually found in irrigated fields or along roads where it has escaped cultivation. Often planted by farmers in Arizona as a food crop for livestock and to improve soil fertility. Alfalfa hay is a favorite of horses and is often fed to them–sometimes to their detriment, as it contains a high percentage of protein that can lead to laminitis (a disease affecting hooves). Prime host plant for Orange Sulphur butterfly caterpillars. Countless adult Orange Sulphurs hovering above a field of blooming alfalfa look like a swarm of dancing orange flowers.

• Cluster type: Spike
• Flower type: Irregular
• Leaf type: Compound
• Leaf attachment: Alternate
• Fruit: Pod