Medicago lupulina
black medic clover, black medick, black medic, hop clover, hop medic, nonesuch, yellow trefoil
Family
Fabaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire, toothed
Leaf Type
compound, trifoliolate
Growth Form
forb
Flower Color
yellow
Flower Month
April - November
Height (meters)
0.1 - 0.8
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
introduced
Lifespan
annual, biennial, perennial
Growing Season
Cool season
Wetland Class
FACU
Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism
-1
Field Characters
May be distinguished from other species by its entire stipules (not spiny), a legume without spines, and 8-30 flowers. May be confused with Medicago polymorpha which typically only has 3-5 flowers has stipules that are deeply-toothed.
Natural History
The annual Medicagos are believed to be self-fertilized (USDA 1948). Medicago lupulina is a native of Eurasia that is now a widespread weed found throughout Louisiana and scattered and weedy in the eastern half of Texas.
Habitat
Fields, lawns, pastures, streams, prairies, roadsides, waste places.