

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.
Trifoliate leaves with central leaflet bearing a spur
Bright yellow flowers in small rounded clusters
Kidney-shaped, coiled seed pods with single seed
Compound leaves with oval shape and serrated edge
Stem grows up to 30 inches with color varying from green to reddish-green
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of Black medick