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Black medick

How to identify Black medick (Medicago lupulina)

Black medick, also known as Hop clover, Nonesuch

Black medick characteristically sprawls with a prostrate growth habit, exhibiting trifoliate leaves - each trio crowned by a central leaflet bearing a distinctive spur. The compound leaves are pivotal identification features. During its summer bloom, black medick presents small, rounded clusters of bright yellow flowers perched atop slender stems. These blooms give way to black, coiled seed pods. Black medick adapts to poor, dry soil conditions and typically extends its reach through a substantial taproot system that can be up to several inches (centimeters) deep.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Black medick

1

Trifoliate leaves with central leaflet bearing a spur

2

Bright yellow flowers in small rounded clusters

3

Kidney-shaped, coiled seed pods with single seed

4

Compound leaves with oval shape and serrated edge

5

Stem grows up to 30 inches with color varying from green to reddish-green

Black medickBlack medickBlack medickBlack medickBlack medick

Detailed Traits of Black medick

Leaf Features

The leaves of black medick are green to dark green, each divided into 3 leaflets. The middle leaflet features a short stalk, while the two outer leaflets attach directly to the stem. The upper surface of the leaves shows fine, light green veins. Each leaflet measures approximately 0.3 to 0.6 inches (0.8 to 1.5 cm) in length and has a rounded to oval shape with a slightly serrated edge, providing a distinctive texture and appearance crucial for identification.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

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Flower Features

Black medick flowers form dense, globe-shaped clusters, each measuring approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter. These clusters consist of 15 to 50 small, pea-like flowers. Each individual flower is about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) across and features an upper standard and a lower keel arrangement. The vibrant yellow petals create a striking visual display during the blooming period, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer. The flowers do not possess any notable scent.

Black medick Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of black medick can grow up to 30 inches (76 cm) in length. It ranges in color from green to reddish-green and may be covered with white hairs, which tend to diminish as the plant ages. The stem can be branched, providing a somewhat bushy appearance. The texture varies from hairy when young to less hairy as it matures, facilitating identification through both color and texture.

Black medick Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of black medick is a noteworthy feature for identification, characterized by its distinctive, kidney-shaped pods. These pods are slightly coiled, covered in fine hairs, and typically bear a single seed within. When the fruit reaches maturity, it takes on a dark, almost black hue, and remains clustered with others, contributing to the dense, curled appearance. The coiling of the pods is akin to a small, tight spiral, lending the fruit a visually unique texture. As the fruit ripens, its clusters can become quite dense, aiding in the propagation of black medick through efficient seed distribution.

Black medick Fruit image
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Key Facts About Black medick

Attributes of Black medick
Lifespan
Annual, Perennial, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
10 cm to 51 cm
Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Red
Yellow
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Black medick

Family
Legume
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Genus
Medicks
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Species
Black medick (Medicago lupulina)
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Distribution Map of Black medick

Black medick is native to Europe, parts of Asia, and northern Africa. It is found on disturbed land and fields. It has been introduced to Australia, North & South America, and Southern Africa. Black medick is listed as invasive in the US, the Philippines, and New Zealand.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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