Medicago lupulina
(Black Medic)
Medicago lupulina, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3500
Medicago lupulina, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3492
Medicago lupulina, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3502
Medicago lupulina, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3503
| Scientific Name | Medicago lupulina | USDA PLANTS Symbol | MELU |
| Common Name | Black Medic | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 503721 |
| Family | Fabacea (Pea) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Plains to Montane (3900 to 9000 ft.); somewhat moist soils in open areas in fields, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas; widespread weed throughout thhe US. Plant: Annual with several spreading or ascending stems 4 to 16 inches long; stems and leaves covered with soft hairs. Leaves: Alternate,pinnately ternate leaves, the three leaflets rhombic-obovate, obovate or almost round, 1/4 to 5/8-inch long, edges denticulate, especially the upper half. Inflorescence: Numerous small yellow flowers in oval-shaped spike-like racemes that become oblong in fruit; on peduncles 3/8 to 1 inch long; very small pea-like blossoms with petals 2 mm long or less. Bloom Period: April to October. Fruit: Kidney-shaped pods with smooth surfaces, black when ripe. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet |
BONAP Distribution Map
Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Introduced |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains