Forage Identification: Black medic

Department of Plant Sciences

Black medic (Medicago lupulina L.)

Adaptation: 
Winter annual. Grows in all zones. Volunteers in many areas. Grows on moderately acid soil, but is most productive on calcareous soils.

Black medic

Growth Habitat:
Winter annual with prostrate stems. Usually not over 6 to 8 inches tall. Shallow rooted.

Black medic

Plant Characteristics:
Heart shaped, hairy leaflets with toothed margins. Small yellow flowers develop coiled seed pods.

Black medic

Seed Characteristics:

Black medic seeds

Important Identifying Characteristics:
Small yellow flowers. Heart shaped, hairy leaflets.

Black medic flower

Primary Uses:
Pastures.

 
 
Find us on Instagram (Link opens a new window)Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)Find us on LinkedIn (Link opens a new window)Find us on YouTube (Link opens a new window)