Black medick - Medicago lupulina (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Black medick

Also known as: Hop clover, Nonesuch

The black medick plant matures anywhere from 15 to 79 cm in height, with stems that lie flat at the beginning of growth and later stand up to be erect. The black medick is a plant known for making excellent honey. It is sometimes planted specifically for this purpose. It is also a good pasture plant for livestock feed; however, it is not overly palatable to cattle.

Scientific classification

Species

Black medick (Medicago lupulina)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 51 cm

Plant Height

Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Red, Yellow

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Black medick

Distribution of Black medick

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Grassy places, roadsides, garden, acid and calcareous soils

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Rebirth of spring

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.

Name Story

Black medick: The genus name, Medicago is derived from latin medica for "Median". It was believed that alfalfa introduced the plant to region of Media in antiquity. Since medick is derived from Medicago and the seeds are black colored, it is called black medick.

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Quickly Identify Black medick

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

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Care Guide for Black medick

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Black medick, originating from moderate climates, thrives with consistent moisture, benefiting from weekly watering. It exhibits drought tolerance, adapting to various moisture conditions. Commonly grown outdoors, its growth cycle is influenced by water availability, affecting both its vegetative and reproductive phases.

Propagation: Black medick propagates easily through seed sowing in Spring. Successful germination is marked by the appearance of seedlings, and no special tips are required for effective propagation.

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Images of Black medick

Distribution of Black medick

Culture

Quickly Identify Black medick

Care Guide for Black medick

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