Weed of the Week: Black Medic

Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)

Black medic is a summer annual or winter annual that is commonly found across Canada and the US.  Black medic is often mistaken for clover and oxalis as it looks very similar with trifoliate leaf arrangements.  Black medic is different with the center leaflet raised on a petiole.  Black medic spreads low to the ground spreading several feet from its central taproot.  Stems grow prostrate with the tips pointing upward. Small yellow flowers typically bloom from spring through until fall.  Once they mature they for a black seedpod. 

Life Cycle – Summer annual or winter annual broadleaf weed

Growth Habit – Prostrate

Leaves – Trifoliate (3 leaves), egg-shaped, serrated near tip, alternate arrangement

Roots – Deep taproot, fibrous network

Flower Colour – Yellow (compressed cluster pea like), black seed pod

Control – Hard to control