Medicago Species, Black Medick, Bur Medic, Burclover

Medicagopolymorpha

Family
Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Medicago (med-DIK-ah-go)
Species
polymorpha (pol-ee-MOR-fuh)
Synonym
Medicago apiculata
Medicago denticulata
Medicago hispida
Medicago lappacea
Medicago nigra
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
Bloom Color
Pale Yellow
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Mid Winter
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Groundcovers
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Phoenix, Arizona

Aptos, California

Berkeley, California

Day Valley, California

Oak Park, California

Rio del Mar, California

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Austin, Texas

Clute, Texas

Houston, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

0
positive
2
neutrals
3
negatives
Sort By:
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S
Oak Park, CA (Zone 9b) | August 2013 | neutral

This plant has hidden merits.

When young, this plant makes a rather tasty pot herb. Pull in early Summer, before it has t...Read More

E
Aptos, CA | June 2009 | negative

This weed is difficult to eliminate. The burrs stick in my dog's coat, feet, face-hair. I am concerned that it could get inside the lon...Read More

S
S
Berkeley, CA (Zone 9b) | April 2007 | negative

One of my garden banes. It sprawls, blocking light from other plants. The burrs on the seeds make sure they get everywhere. It's a ver...Read More

X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | January 2005 | neutral

Spread throughout the southwestern U.S. and tropical Americas.

B
San Francisco, CA | November 2002 | negative

This is a weed that will grow barbed seedpods that look round and are a twisted spiral. These will get in the fur of your dog or cat and ...Read More

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