Black Medick

(Medicago lupulina)

Black Medick (Medicago lupulina)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Medicago lupulina, commonly known as Black Medick, is an annual or short-lived perennial herb that is native to Europe, Western Asia and Tropical Africa, but it has naturalized in many parts of the world, including grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It typically grows from 15 to 80 cm (6 to 31 inches) in height, with fine stems that may start prostrate and become erect as they grow. The plant features small, trifoliate leaves and produces tiny yellow flowers (2–3 mm) grouped in dense clusters, which are particularly noticeable from late spring to early summer. The flowers give way to small, coiled, black seed pods. Black Medick is valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which can improve soil fertility, and its resilience, making it useful for erosion control.

Black Medick thrives in a range of soil pH levels, from alkaline to mildly acidic, and prefers open, sunny locations but can tolerate part shade. It is often found in meadows, pastures, and lawns, where it can be used as a ground cover or forage plant. It requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soils. While it is not particularly demanding, it can become weedy and potentially invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting it in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, 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, Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

native to Europe, Western Asia and Tropical Africa, but it has naturalized in many parts of the world, including grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed areas

Other Names

Common Names: English Trefoil, Nonesuch, Hop Trefoil, Hop-Clover, Black Medic, Yellow Trefoil, Black Medic Clover, Hop Clover, Hop Medic, Fenarola Menuda

Scientific Names: , Medicago lupulina, Medicago lupulina var. glandulosa, Medicago lupulina var. glanduligera, Medicago lupulina subsp. lupulina, Medicago lupulina var. willdenowiana, Medica lupulina, Medicago cupaniana, Medicago apennina, Medicago lupulina var. unguiculata

GBIF Accepted Name: Medicago lupulina L.