PACIFIC NORTHWEST GROWN. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Leaf, Cut and Sifted, Certified Organic Common names: Alfalfa, Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic, Jat, Qadb Family: Fabaceae Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant, growing up to 3.5 feet in height, believed to have its origins in ancient Persia. It has long been cultivated around the world as a major forage crop for livestock; nearly two thirds of current production is in the US and Europe. This common, fragrant, nutritive herb is also very popular in herbal medicine, and frequently found in tea blends to promote health and wellness, it has a fresh, green, hay-like scent, with just a hint of sweetness.