Yellow Flowered Alfalfa: Its Introduction, Naturalization and Use In the USA.

Introduction of yellow flowered falcata alfalfa in to the USA is attributed to N.E. Hansen and likely occurred some time after an expedition to Eurasia in 1897-1898.  This first introduction was probably S.P.I. 991 which Dr. Hansen described as more drought and cold tolerant than the “ordinary” alfalfa under cultivation in the USA at the time.  These early observations of Dr. Hansen have proved to be true. Much of the falcata type alfalfas have more of a fibrous root than tap root typical of the sativa types.  It will go dormant and withstand long periods of extended drought with minimal mortality.  This made them likely candidates for use on grazing lands particularly the drier harsh locations.  Hansen recognized this and distributed seed to interested individuals particularly in the western regions of South Dakota.  Original stands of this material have survived for over 80 years through drought, cold, grasshoppers, grass competition and grazing by sheep and cattle.  Recent research has further demonstrated its persistence and ability to increase productivity of grass dominated communities on diverse grazinglands.