Onobrychis viciifolia (Esparsette) – a perennial leguminous crop reaching a height of 0.4–0.7 m and possessing a taproot system. The plant features a straight stem, branched tops, and bright fuchsia-pink flowers arranged in dense spike-like racemes. Flowering lasts 20–25 days, typically in May–June at temperatures of +20…+25 °C. During the day, each raceme opens 1–2 rows of flowers, and the entire flowering process may conclude within 2–8 days.
Esparsette is valued as a first-class honey plant: up to 5.5–6 kg of honey can be collected per hectare daily. The nectar is colorless but slightly cloudy in large quantities; its sugar content is about 46%. Honey from esparsette is light caramel-colored, with slow crystallization and a delicately expressed herbal aroma. Additionally, the plant's root is used in gastroenterology and for cardiovascular diseases.
The fodder value of esparsette is high: the plant is rich in protein, minerals, and other beneficial substances. With proper sowing (20–30 g/m²) and good drainage soil, it can yield up to 200–280 kg of honey per hectare and serve as excellent green mass for producing hay, silage, and feed mixtures. Esparsette does not require additional nitrogen, efficiently absorbs phosphorus, and contributes to improving soil structure, protecting it from erosion.
For optimal development, two cuts are recommended: the first during bud formation, and the second one month before winter. The cutting height is 7–8 cm. With early flowering, the plant provides higher nutritional value for fodder compared to alfalfa. Esparsette can also be used as a decorative element thanks to its bright pink flowers and dense racemes.
