Black Medick
Medicago lupulina
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Description
Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) is a low-growing, annual or short-lived perennial herb in the legume family. It features trifoliate leaves and small, yellow flower heads similar to clover. This plant thrives in grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed areas across Europe, Asia, and North America. In regenerative agriculture, Black Medick is valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, enhancing soil fertility and structure. It serves as a cover crop or green manure, suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion. In a food forest, it acts as a ground cover layer, supporting biodiversity. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine for minor ailments. Guild companions include taller plants like corn or sunflowers, which provide partial shade, and aromatic herbs like dill or fennel that attract beneficial insects.
Growing Details
Black Medick thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils with a preference for full sun. It tolerates sandy and loamy soils and is drought-tolerant once established. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include taller crops like corn, which provide partial shade, and aromatic herbs like dill that attract beneficial insects. Common mistakes include overwatering and planting in poorly draine
Tags
Nitrogen Fixing
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Meadow
Easy Propagating
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Medicago lupulina</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and Asia, naturalized in Nor
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 90 days
Harvest:
beginning
of July for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of April
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The leaves and young shoots can be consumed raw or cooked, though they are not commonly used for culinary purposes due to their mild flavor. They are best harvested in spring when tender.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Black Medick has been used in herbal medicine to treat minor digestive issues and as a mild diuretic. It is typically prepared as a tea or infusion. Caution is advised due to the presence of coumarins, which can cause bleeding disorders in large quantities.
health concerns: Contains coumarins, which may cause bleeding disorders if consumed in large quantities. It is advisable to use in moderation.
other uses: Black Medick is often used as a green manure and cover crop due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities. It also attracts pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Medicago lupulina
common names: Black Medick; Nonesuch; Hop Clover
family: Fabaceae
sub family: Faboideae
tribe: Trifolieae
sub tribe:
genus: Medicago
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.2 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 2 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.6 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Black Medick thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils with a preference for full sun. It tolerates sandy and loamy soils and is drought-tolerant once established. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include taller crops like corn, which provide partial shade, and aromatic herbs like dill that attract beneficial insects. Common mistakes include overwatering and planting in poorly draine
Potential Disturbances: Generally pest-resistant, but can occasionally be affected by aphids and root rot in poorly drained soils. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic pest control methods.
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