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(Medicago arborea)
Moon Trefoil (Medicago arborea)
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Paco Yepes
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Paco Yepes
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Paco Yepes | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Attribution: Paco Yepes (cc-by-sa) | Rights Holder: Paco Yepes | Publisher: PlantNet | Date Created: 2020-01-01T13:16:14Z | Title: Medicago arborea L.: flower | Notes: Medicago arborea L.: flower |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Medicago arborea, commonly known as Moon Trefoil, is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean Basin, including coastal areas, garrigue, and maquis habitats. It typically grows to a height of 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) and a width of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters). The plant is characterized by its rounded form, gray-green foliage, and bright yellow pea-like flowers that bloom in the spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The flowers are followed by distinctive coiled seed pods. Moon Trefoil is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and coastal gardens.
Moon Trefoil is used for ornamental purposes, erosion control, and as a nitrogen-fixing plant in restoration projects. It is well-suited to Mediterranean-style gardens and can be used as a low hedge or ground cover. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Gardeners should be aware that Medicago arborea can become invasive outside its native range due to its vigorous growth and self-seeding habit.CC BY-SA 4.0
Moon Trefoil is used for ornamental purposes, erosion control, and as a nitrogen-fixing plant in restoration projects. It is well-suited to Mediterranean-style gardens and can be used as a low hedge or ground cover. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Gardeners should be aware that Medicago arborea can become invasive outside its native range due to its vigorous growth and self-seeding habit.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4.5-6 feet
- Width: 3-4.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Mediterranean Basin, including coastal areas, garrigue, and maquis habitats
Other Names
Common Names: Alfalfa Arborea, Shrub Medick, Tree Medick, Alfalfa Arbórea, Tree Medic, Alfals Arbori, Baumschneckenklee, Amourette Jaune, Luzerne Arborescente, Alfalfa-Gigante, Busklusern
Scientific Names: , Medicago arborea, Medica arborea, Medicago arborea var. citrina, Rhodusia arborea, Trigonella arborea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Medicago arborea L.