Medicago lupulina aka Black Medick

Taxonomy

Medicago lupulina, also known as black medick, nonesuch, or hop clover, is a plant belonging to the legume or clover family. It is a plant of dry grassland and is closely related to the true clovers and sweet clover. This annual or short-lived perennial has a deep tap root, with sprawling stems that form a mat-like structure in mown grass. The small, hairy, clover-like leaves grow in groups of three, and the plant produces small, yellow, clover-like flowers from mid-spring to mid-summer. These flowers closely resemble those of lesser trefoil. After flowering, black medick develops black seed pods. Despite being considered an annual clover, black medic is not part of the clover genus. It has teardrop-shaped leaves commonly found on clovers, but it stands out with its yellow flowers. While it is typically an annual plant, it can survive for several years in warmer areas. The leaves grow in groups of three and are oval-shaped, with small pom-pom-like yellow flowers blooming off stems that grow from the stem of each leaf group. It is worth noting that black medick is invasive in the Philippines, Hawaii, New Zealand, and a few islands in Oceania. It shares its genus with alfalfa, another notable legume plant.

Common names

Black Medick, Nonesuch, English Trefoil

How to care for Black Medick

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Black Medick is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Black Medick should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Black Medick, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since English Trefoil is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Black Medick will thrive!

Lighting

Black Medick 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 English Trefoil.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Black Medick has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Black Medick grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Black Medick’s native range is Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa, the Atlantic Islands and W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia