Black Medic
Medicago lupulina · Broadleaf annual or short-lived perennial, not a true grass
Grass Family
Fabaceae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Grass
Low-growing broadleaf plant with clover-like leaves featuring three leaflets, small yellow flower clusters, and black seed pods at maturity
Blade Characteristics
Compound leaves with three oval to obovate leaflets, finely toothed margins near the tip, distinguished from true grasses by broad leaves and net-like venation
Root System
Deep taproot with nitrogen-fixing nodules, allowing survival in dry, poor soils
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe and Asia, now widespread globally
Growth Habit
Prostrate, spreading mat-forming, stolon-like stems
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun, highly drought tolerant once established, thrives in poor, dry, nutrient-deficient soils
Mowing & Maintenance
Survives low mowing by growing flat against the ground, manual removal or broadleaf herbicides required for control
Special Characteristics
Indicates low nitrogen fertility in soil, highly resilient to foot traffic and dry conditions
Ecological Information
Fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, provides minor forage value for wildlife, often considered a stubborn turf weed