Medicago lupulina

(Black Medic)

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Medicago lupulina, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3500

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Medicago lupulina, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3492

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Medicago lupulina, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3502

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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
Click Here
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