Sand esparcet (Onobrychis arenaria, Prodr. 2: 345 (1825))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Kit.) DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 2: 345 (1825)

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Onobrychis

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Mongolia

Description

Sand esparcet, scientifically known as Onobrychis arenaria, is a species of flowering plant within the Fabaceae family. This resilient and versatile plant boasts an extensive geographical range, stretching from the diverse climates of Europe all the way to the remote terrains of Mongolia.

First described comprehensively in “Prodr.” Volume 2 on page 345 in the year 1825 by the botanist (Kit.) DC., Onobrychis arenaria has since become a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike. Its adaptability to different environmental conditions is a testament to its hardy nature.

As a member of the Fabaceae family, sand esparcet contributes to the important ecological function of nitrogen fixation, which enhances soil fertility. This makes it a valuable plant in agricultural settings, particularly in regions with poor soil quality where it can help replenish vital nutrients. Its robust root system also aids in soil stabilization, making it an effective plant for preventing erosion in vulnerable landscapes.

In terms of appearance, Onobrychis arenaria typically features vibrant, dense clusters of flowers that can attract a variety of pollinators, thus playing a role in supporting local biodiversity. Its foliage and structure are well adapted to withstand the often harsh environments it inhabits, from dry, sandy soils to more temperate conditions.

Human and ecological interest in sand esparcet continues to grow, as it offers both beauty and utility within its environments. Whether contributing to the ecological balance through nitrogen fixation and soil stabilization or enhancing the allure of natural landscapes, this species remains an integral part of its ecosystems from Europe to Mongolia.

Common Names

Deu: sand-esparcette, sand-esparsette
Eng: sand esparcet
Lav: smiltaju esparsete
En: Sand esparcet
De: Sand-Esparcette, Sand-Esparsette
It: Lupinella dei colli
Lv: Smiltaju esparsete
Ru: Esparcet pesčanyj

Synonyms

• Onobrychis sativa var. arenaria ((Kit.) W.D.J.Koch)
• Hedysarum arenarium (Kit. ex Schult.)
• Onobrychis viciifolia subsp. arenaria ((Kit.) Thell.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chita (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Erika Arena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Erika Arena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Erika Arena (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Maiv Tsab (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Dimitry Novoklimov (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Martine CHAPUIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Алена Подольская (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Martine CHAPUIS (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Martine CHAPUIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Martine CHAPUIS (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Martine CHAPUIS (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:509840-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2972841)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Onobrychis arenaria (Kit.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth