Medicago sativa, commonly known as alfalfa, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is now widely cultivated around the world for its high nutritional value. Alfalfa is often used as animal feed due to its rich protein content and is also grown as a cover crop to improve soil health. The plant features small purple flowers and can grow up to three feet tall. Its deep root system allows it to access water and nutrients from the soil, making it drought-resistant. Alfalfa is also valued for its ability to fix nitrogen, enriching the soil for subsequent crops.