Spotted medick (Medicago arabica)

Spotted medick

Also known as: Spotted burclover

Spotted medick (Medicago arabica) is an annual herbaceous plant with dark heart-shape-spotted trefoil leaves that are easy to identify. Blooms delicate yellow flowers from spring through summer. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It improves the nitrogen in the soil where it is planted and spring do well as a subsidiary crop. Attracts bees and livestock.

Scientific classification

Species

Spotted medick (Medicago arabica)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

40 cm to 65 cm

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Spotted medick

Distribution of Spotted medick

Distribution Map

Spotted medick is a plant with a broad range encompassing native habitats in the Mediterranean and various surrounding regions encompassing parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It has been introduced expansively, establishing a presence across multiple continents, including South America, North America, East Asia, Australasia, and parts of Europe that are outside its native region.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Clifftop grasslands, grassy places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Interesting Facts

Medick is often mistaken for clover. It is said that once while Napoleon was marching across a grassland, he found a medick. He was interested in it. When he bent down to pick it, he actually avoided a bullet that was shot and survived. So medick is known as a symbol of luck.

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Care Guide for Spotted medick

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from moderate climates, spotted medick requires consistent moisture and does not tolerate drought. Thriving in humid conditions, it needs weekly watering to maintain soil moisture. As an outdoor plant in temperate zones, spotted medick benefits from natural rainfall supporting its growth cycle.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, spotted medick requires balanced nutrition with high-nitrogen fertilizers during growth phases. Apply a monthly NPK fertilizer in the growing season, reducing in colder months. Avoid over-fertilization by calibrating amounts, and always water spotted medick after applying to enhance nutrient absorption.

Pruning: Spotted medick should be pruned in early to late spring to remove dead or damaged stems, promoting healthy growth and improving shape. Proper pruning enhances foliage density, prevents legginess, reduces disease risk, and supports an attractive appearance while helping manage its spread.

Propagation: To propagate spotted medick, sow seeds in well-drained, moderately fertile soil, keeping it moist until germination. Thin seedlings after true leaves appear to avoid overcrowding. Handle roots carefully and ensure soil contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria for enhanced growth.

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Images of Spotted medick

Distribution of Spotted medick

Culture

Care Guide for Spotted medick

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