Black Medic — Medicago lupulina — Family: Fabaceae — Pea or Bean
Black medic is a low-growing creeping weed that is well adapted to many lawn situations. In particular, black medic can be an indication of low soil nitrogen. It is most common to find medic in full sun , low maintenance situations. Black medic and white clover grow in similar situation and are often found growing together.
Other weeds in the Pea or Bean (Fabaceae) family:
Black medic is a low-growing creeping weed that is well adapted to many lawn situations. In particular, black medic can be an indication of low soil nitrogen. It is most common to find medic in full sun , low maintenance situations. Black medic and white clover grow in similar situation and are often found growing together.
Also Known As...
- trefoil
- spotted burclover
- black clover
- hop medic
- hop clover
- nonesuch
- blackseed
 |
 |
 |
 |
Round |
Entire |
Trifoliate |
Spreading |
legume with a shallow taproot and secondary roots
nodules attached to roots
three leaflets with slightly toothed margins
center leaflets have separate petioliole
reproduction by seed
yellow flowers extending from base of petiole
Black medic can be mistaken for white clover but is distinguished from white clover by its lack of a crescent-moon shaped watermark and a center leaflet which has a separate petioliole. Yellow woodsorrel is a trifoliate that also lacks the watermark and has deeply indented heart-shaped leaflets.
Links:
- Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
- White Clover (Trifolium repens)
- Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta)
Cultural practices for managing black medic can be very effective. Increased nitrogen fertilization will be extremely effective at reducing medic competition. However, it is often necessary to remove existing medic in order for cultural practices to be most effective.
Please login to view these details. Thank you!
