Black Medick
ExplorePlants
Black Medick
Medicago lupulina
Black Medick is a small plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. It's often found in grassy areas and is loved by bees and butterflies!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Black Medick has small, bright yellow flowers tightly clustered into spherical heads. Its clover-like leaves are made of three oval leaflets, with the central one on a slightly longer stalk. Mature seeds turn black and are kidney-shaped, giving the plant its name.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusMedicago
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient cultures sometimes used Black Medick for its supposed medicinal properties, long ago!
Its tiny leaves fold neatly at night, almost like they're going to sleep until morning!
The 'black' in its name comes from its mature, dark-colored seed pods, not its bright yellow flowers!
This hardy plant is a favorite snack for many grazing animals, like cows and sheep!
Special abilities
Ability
Nitrogen Supercharger
Black Medick can fix nitrogen from the air with help from bacteria, which enriches the soil for other plants to grow.
Ability
Seed Sprouter
Black Medick has tough seeds that can stay dormant in soil for years, ready to sprout when conditions are right.
Ability
Tough Taproot
Black Medick has a deep taproot that helps it reach water and nutrients, making it tough in dry conditions.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-60 cm
- Spread
- 20-75 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to Fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen
symbiotic with
Rhizobia
Rhizobium leguminosarum
fixes nitrogen in its root nodules
eaten by
Cattle
Bos taurus
grazes on the leaves and stems
eaten by
Sheep
Ovis aries
forages on the plant as pasture
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Nitrogen Fixing
Describes organisms capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into compounds usable by plants.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always check with an adult before touching or picking plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Black Medick?
15-60 cm
How wide does Black Medick spread?
20-75 cm
How big are the flowers on Black Medick?
0.3-0.5 cm
When does Black Medick bloom?
Spring to Fall
Is Black Medick edible?
Yes
Is Black Medick toxic?
None
What is Black Medick's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Black Medick pollinated?
Insect
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