black medic (Medicago lupulina) plant — close-up photo
Moderate to grow

black medic

Medicago lupulina

Overview

Black Medic (Medicago Lupulina) is an introduced plant species that is native to Eurasia and Africa. It is a nitrogen fixing species and an important cover crop in the eastern United States and Canada. It typically grows as a low-lying, nitrogen-rich, rosette-forming plant with dark green stems and leaves. Its small, yellow flowers are clustered in dense, round heads that have a black appearance. It is an efficient forager of phosphorus and other essential minerals and is known to tolerate dry, nutrient-deficient soils. It is often used as a cover crop in commercial vegetable farming, where it competes with weeds and helps to improve soil structure. It is also a valuable food source for beneficial insects and birds.

Care Guide

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Watering

Frequent — every "7-10" days.

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Light

Full sun, Part sun/part shade.

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Temperature

Hardiness zone 3-3.

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Pruning

Best pruned in March, April, May, December, January, February, August, December, January, February, March, April, May.

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Propagation

Seed Propagation, Cutting, Division, Layering Propagation

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