Water
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, especially in cooler months. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Monitor soil moisture; it should feel damp but not saturated.
Also known as Black Clover · Black Medic · Black Medic Clover
Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) is a low-growing annual or short-lived perennial herb, often found in lawns and disturbed areas. It has small, trifoliate leaves and dens
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained, Tolerant of various soil types
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in temperate climates; prefers average room temperatures.
Low
25% intensity
Nitrogen fixer; minimal fertilization needed. A balanced, low-nitrogen feed in spring if soil is poor.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, especially in cooler months. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Monitor soil moisture; it should feel damp but not saturated.
Pruning is typically not required for aesthetic reasons. If overgrown or if it's encroaching on desired areas, trim back as needed.
This can be done in late spring or early summer to maintain its habit and prevent excessive spread.
Propagates easily from seed sown directly into the ground in early spring or autumn. Scarification of seeds may improve germination rates. It can also spread via rhizomes, allowing for division of established plants.
Repotting is generally not necessary for this plant, as it is often grown as a groundcover or in larger landscapes. If container-grown and becoming root-bound, repot in spring into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Black Medick (Medicago lupulina)
Where Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Medicago |
| Species | Medicago lupulina |
Similar in genus Medicago
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data