Medicago lupulina
black medick
An annual or short-lived perennial with a deep tap root, sprawling stems that become mat-like in mown grass, and small, hairy, clover-like leaves. Small, yellow, clover-like flowers, from mid-spring to early autumn, are followed by black seed pods
Other common names
black none-suchblackseed
see moremelilot trefoil
nonsuch
yellow clover
yellow trefoil
black grass
hop clover
maglys
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or ±·´Ç°ù³Ù³ó–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Medicago are annuals, perennials or small shrubs. Leaves have three leaflets and may be light, yellow-, mid- or blue-green. Their short sprays of pea-like flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe (except extreme N), naturalised N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in most situations including poor, dry soil. Often appears in lawns; see clover in lawns for more information. May be grown as green manure; see our video for advice
Propagation
Propagate from seed sown in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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