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Black Medick

Black Medick

Medicago lupulina

groundcover☀️ full sun💧 low water≥ Zone 9a

Black Medick is a low-growing annual legume with small yellow flower clusters and distinctive black seed pods. It is commonly used as a cover crop and nitrogen-fixing green manure, and can serve as a nutritious forage plant.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
0.33–2′ tall
Dormancy
annual

Tolerances & Soil

≥ Zone 9a
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: ≥ Zone 9a

pH Range

5.58
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 5.5 to 8

Soil Texture

Medium, Fine

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Mediterranean

Function & Care

biomass/mulchdynamic accumulatorerosion controlnitrogen fixerpollinator nectarywildlife benefit
Nitrogen Fixer · Moderate

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed

Companion Planting