Sainfoin

Description:

Striking plant, with a long erect and naked flower stem, carrying long and narrow inflorescence. The inflorescence starts to open from the bottom. Flowers are typical for legume family (Fabaceae), and pink. Leaves are composed, with some 13 to 14 pairs of leaflets.

Habitat:

Calcareous sol, sides of the Jura mountains.

Notes:

This plant has found its use in agriculture, where it is cultivated as forage legume. Historically, these highly nutritious plants were an important forage for heavy working horses in agriculture. They are also a rich source of nectar for honey production as well as pollen for bee food - as it can be seen on the last photo (By the way, does anyone know how to turn the photo? Thanks in advance)