The Pastures of Val d’Orcia: In May, the Queen is Sulla
The pastures of Val d’Orcia, renowned for their stunning beauty, turn a deep red in spring thanks to an extraordinary plant: Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium). This spontaneous legume is, for us, the true queen of May pastures.
Sulla: A Generous and Resilient Plant
Sulla is a hardy and generous forage plant. Its vegetative cycle begins with the first late summer rains, when its round leaves start to appear. During the winter, it grows slowly, until May, when it becomes a vigorous shrub reaching up to 50 cm in height.
At the peak of its bloom, it transforms pastures and uncultivated gullies into sweeping crimson landscapes, thanks to its large and striking flowers. After flowering, it produces round seeds encased in a hard, spiky shell. Finally, it disappears, completing its perfect cycle.
A Legume Perfectly Suited to the Climate of Val d’Orcia
Sulla is perfectly adapted to the hot and dry climate of Val d’Orcia. It thrives on clay and limestone soils and has a deep taproot rich in nodules. These nodules fix atmospheric nitrogen, naturally improving soil fertility.
For this reason, Sulla is an ideal plant for green manure and for regenerating agricultural land. (link to green manure article)
Sulla: Benefits for Milk, Cheese, and Honey
Sulla is rich in water and natural sugars. Grazing animals that feed on it produce sweeter, more aromatic milk—perfect for creating high-quality aged pecorino cheeses, such as our Pecorino Gran Riserva. (link to blog article)
Additionally, Sulla is highly nectar-producing and much loved by bees, who create from it a clear, delicate, and sweet honey. (link to Sulla shop) A precious gift from nature that enhances both the environment and the table.
A Pillar of the Val d’Orcia Agricultural Ecosystem
Sulla is much more than a simple pasture plant. It’s a key element of the agricultural ecosystem of Val d’Orcia: it enriches the soil, supports biodiversity, and contributes to the exceptional quality of local products.
In May, with its spectacular blooming, it takes center stage… and truly earns its title as the queen of the pastures!
