Medicago arborea aka Moon Trefoil

Medicago arborea typically grows to 2 metres tall and wide, forming a rounded evergreen shrub. Under optimal Mediterranean conditions, it can reach up to 4 metres in height. Growth rate is moderate, with the plant reaching its full size over several years. It is the only woody species in the Medicago genus, making it unique among its relatives.

Medicago arborea tolerates temperatures down to approximately -10°C when fully dormant in winter. However, the young spring growth is more frost-sensitive and can be damaged by even light spring frosts. The plant thrives in Mediterranean climates with warm summers and mild winters. In cooler regions, growing it against a south-facing wall provides extra protection.

Medicago arborea is adapted to the dry Mediterranean climate and does not require high humidity. It tolerates maritime conditions with salt spray, making it excellent for coastal gardens. The plant prefers good air circulation and dry conditions rather than humid environments. Avoid overly humid or poorly ventilated situations which could promote fungal issues.

Medicago arborea produces bright orange-yellow, butterfly-shaped (papilionaceous) flowers in clusters of 4-10 blooms. The flowering season is exceptionally long, lasting from May through October. Each flower is approximately 15mm long with a green calyx divided into five triangular teeth. The flowers are notably fragrant with a pleasant vanilla or sweet pea scent, attracting pollinators throughout the season.

Yes, Medicago arborea has noticeably fragrant flowers that emit a pleasant vanilla or sweet pea scent. This fragrance is one of the plant's attractive ornamental features, released during the long flowering period from May to October. The scent helps attract insect pollinators to the bright yellow blooms.

Three subspecies of Medicago arborea are recognized based on geographic distribution. Subspecies arborea is the most widespread, found across Spain, Balearic Islands, Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Greece, Crete, Aegean Islands, and Turkey. Subspecies citrina is restricted to eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands. Subspecies strasseri is endemic to Crete. All share similar cultivation requirements.

Medicago arborea is exclusively an outdoor plant suited to USDA zones 7-10 (UK zone 8). It thrives in Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and mild winters. In cooler regions, it benefits from being grown against a warm, south-facing wall for protection. The plant tolerates maritime conditions including wind and salt spray, making it ideal for coastal gardens.

Medicago arborea requires minimal pruning. In spring, simply remove any dead wood that has accumulated over winter. Avoid heavy pruning as the plant maintains a naturally attractive rounded form. If shaping is needed, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing dead or damaged branches and thinning dense areas to improve air circulation.

Medicago arborea is easily propagated by both seeds and cuttings. For seeds, pre-soak in warm water for 12 hours to break dormancy, then sow in spring or autumn in a greenhouse. Germination is rapid at temperatures between 18-25°C. For faster results, take half-ripe wood cuttings in July-August with bottom heat—this method is described as 'very easy.

Medicago arborea is pollinated by insects, typical of the legume family (Fabaceae). The bright orange-yellow, butterfly-shaped flowers and sweet vanilla fragrance attract various pollinating insects during the long May-October flowering period. The plant can also self-pollinate to some extent. As a legume, it forms nodules on its roots containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Sinorhizobium meliloti).

Yes, the leaves and young shoots of Medicago arborea are edible, traditionally used in Greek salads. Young growth from vigorous plants has a slightly sweet, grass-like flavor with a chewy texture. However, older leaves and those from less vigorous plants develop a distinct bitterness and become unpleasant. The plant has an edibility rating of 2/5, indicating it is edible but not a primary food source.

Medicago arborea has no documented medicinal uses and receives a medicinal rating of 0/5 from botanical databases. Unlike some other legumes that have traditional medicinal applications, tree medick has not been used in herbal medicine. The plant's value lies in its ornamental qualities, nitrogen-fixing ability, and limited edible uses rather than any therapeutic properties.

Medicago arborea has several practical uses beyond food. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub in Mediterranean gardens for its fragrant yellow flowers and evergreen foliage. The plant is valuable for soil stabilization and erosion control due to its root system. As a nitrogen-fixing legume, it enriches soil fertility. It is also part of the tertiary gene pool for cultivated alfalfa (Medicago sativa), offering potential for crop improvement.

Medicago arborea is generally a robust, pest-resistant plant when grown in appropriate conditions. No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported. The plant's main vulnerability is root rot in poorly drained or waterlogged soils, so ensuring good drainage is essential. In overly humid conditions with poor air circulation, fungal issues may occur. Providing proper growing conditions—full sun, well-drained soil, and good air flow—is the best prevention.

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Moon Trefoil, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Moon Trefoil’s native range is Europe - Mediterranean.

Moon Trefoil should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Moon Trefoil requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Tree Medic, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Moon Trefoil will bloom beautifully in your home.

Moon Trefoil thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Tree Medic.

Repotting the Moon Trefoil is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

During the wintertime, it is common for Moon Trefoil plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.