Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
Perennial. Pinnate, divided leaves and stems topped with a profusion of arrow-headed racemes of dark pink flowers with red stripes. Its French name means �wholesome hay�. Also known as Holy Clover. Member of the Pea family. Has been grown as a fodder crop. Flowers May to August. Grows to about 2 ft (60 cm) high. Found in the wild on field edges and roadsides.
The flowers secret excessive nectar and are, therefore, highly attractive to pollinating insects, especially honeybees. Pollen is also produced in abundance. Plant is grazed by livestock in the USA. In seventeenth century England, it was used as a source of high-quality hay, much of which was fed to working horses. Sainfoin is sometimes associated with the story of Jesus in the manger.
Plant in sun. Drought-resistent. Particularly likes lime soil. Deadhead regularly. Cut back hard at the end of the growing season.