Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)
Black medic is warm season annual (sometimes biennial) that reproduces by seeds. It is shallow rooted with multi-branched slender, prostrate, slightly hairy stems spreading 12 to 24 inches. The alternately arranged, dark green leaves are compound with three small, (1/5 to 3/5 inch long), sparsely hairy, oval leaflets. The center leaflet is stalked and the side leaflets occur close to the stem. The 1/8 to 1/6 inch long bright yellow flowers are clustered on short stems that emerge from the leaf axils. Each cluster is approximately 1/2 inch long, round, and comprised of up to 50 individual flowers. Flowering occurs April to October.
Occurrence
Black medic occurs in a variety of turf settings, particularly in infertile, dry settings.
Non-Chemical Control
To control black medic without chemicals, maintain turf density and health using proper culture and mechanically pull removing as much plant as possible.
Chemical Control
Apply postemergence broadleaf herbicides during periods of active growth from late spring through early summer and again from early through mid autumn.
