Abstract: Utilising records of alfalfa botany in ancient texts, this research investigated alfalfa textology in ancient China. Alfalfa was introduced to China during the Han dynasty. The distribution and adaptation of alfalfa in ancient China and morphological characteristics of alfalfa are stressed. The research clarified the source and cultural area of alfalfa and confirmed Medicago sativa as the species identified as alfalfa after consideration of alfalfa morphological characteristics including roots, branches, leaves and fruit. It was recorded in “Dayuan Liezhuan” of the Shiji and “Xiyuzhuan”, Hanshu that alfalfa was introduced from Dayuan and Jiben during the Han dynasty. From the Han to the Tang and Song dynasties, alfalfa was widely planted in Northwest China. During the Ming dynasty, alfalfa was mostly planted in Sanjin, with smaller areas in Qin and Lu, followed by Yan and Zhao, but there is no record of alfalfa being planted in Jiangnan. Records of flower color provide reliable evidence ascertaining alfalfa was cultivated in ancient China. According to Han Er (Si Shi Zhuan Yao) it was regarded as particularly beneficial for horses during the Tang dynasty. The presence of purple flowers in alfalfa was also recorded in Jiu Huang Ben Cao by Zhu Su during the Ming dynasty, Qun Fang Pu by Wang Xiangjin during the Ming dynasty and in Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao by Wu Qijun during Qing dynasty. One author, Li Shizhen recorded that alfalfa had yellow flowers, in Ben Cao Gang Mu during the Ming dynasty. This was probably M. hispida or possibly M. falcata, which Wu Qijun recorded in Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao. It is informative to understand and utilize alfalfa today with knowledge of the utilization of alfalfa and its characteristics in ancient China.