Medicago lupulina
black medick
M. lupulina is an annual or short-lived perennial with a deep tap root, sprawling stems that become mat-like in mown grass, small, hairy, clover-like leaves and small, yellow, clover-like flowers from mid-spring to mid-summer, followed by black seed pods
Other common names
black none-suchblackseed
see moremelilot trefoil
nonsuch
yellow clover
yellow trefoil
black grass
hop clover
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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, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
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
Get involved
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