Black Medick

medicago lupulina

Also known as: ["Hop Clover","Nonesuch","Sheep's Trefoil"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Medicago Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A low-growing, clover-like plant with yellow flowers that turn black as they mature.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Medicago
Botanical Name: Medicago lupulina

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: garden beds, meadows, or as a ground cover in open areas
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 2–3 months; heavier pruning annually or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed for rejuvenation.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with tolerance for partial shade; adjust for extreme heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on season.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense sun; move outdoors in spring/summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; topdress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoids frost.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, not required otherwise

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target roots precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn purple or brown; risk of frost damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Medicago lupulina may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Medicago lupulina is often a sign of water stress or root damage, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Medicago lupulina are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Medicago lupulina due to overwatering or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Medicago lupulina is not considered toxic to cats. No adverse effects have been reported in felines after ingestion of this plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, keep an eye on pets to ensure they do not consume large quantities of any plant material.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Medicago lupulina is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from ingestion of this plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets for unusual behavior, but this plant is not expected to cause harm.
Humans
Non-toxic

Medicago lupulina, commonly known as black medick, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is not known to cause significant adverse effects when ingested in typical quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Black Medick toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Black Medick require much care?

A: No, it is very low maintenance and drought tolerant.

Q: Does Black Medick attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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