Medicago

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At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering herbaceous plants is known commonly as Medick or Burclover. 

Medicago Species and Varietals

The genus Medicago is a member of the plant family Fabaceae, and includes over 87 species. The best growing zones for Medicago plants vary depending on the species grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Medicago arabica (Spotted Medick, Spotted Burclover, Heart Clover)
​These flowering herbaceous plants are native to the Mediterranean basin, but can be found worldwide. They prefer to grow on clifftop grasslands and other grassy areas. The species forms a sprawling plant that reaches up to about 2 feet tall when mature. Leaves are trifoliate and spotted with dark red. Flowers are pale yellow and bloom from April through August.

Medicago arborea (Moon Trefoil, Shrub Medick, Alfalfa Arborea, Tree Medik) 
Native to the Mediterranean, these plants prefer to grow along rocky shorelines amongst shrubby vegetation. It is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, prized for its green foliage and bright yellow flowers. These shrubs typically reach between 3 and 13 feet tall when mature.

Medicago lupulina (Hop Clover, Black Medick, Nonesuch)
These grassland legumes are native to Europe, north Africa, the Near East, and Asia, where it thrives in moist, well-draining soils. It is an annual or short-lived perennial plant, reaching up to 30 inches tall. Plants that live for more than a year form a deep tap root. Flowers are yellow. These plants are a great source of nectar for local pollinators, and are also used as fodder plants for feeding livestock.

Medicago sativa (Alfalfa, Lucerne)
These plants are cultivated worldwide as important livestock fodder crops and as cover crops. These are perennial plants, and normally live between 4 and 8 years (but can live up to 20). They form deep root systems, sometimes extending as much as 50 feet deep to reach groundwater. Immature sprouts of these plants are cultivated and used as garnish on various dishes such as salads and sandwiches. When grown for this purpose, soilless mediums are typically used.

Medicago polymorpha (California Burclover, Toothed Burclover, Toothed Medick, Burr Medic)
These annual plants are common weeds of roadsides, agricultural fields, and other disturbed areas, and are native to the Mediterranean Basin. It makes a good fodder or forage food for livestock, and produces green foliage and yellow flowers. These plants are edible, and are consumed as a vegetable in China and Mexico. 

Caring for Medicago


Harvesting Alfalfa

Propagation

Bixia orellana seed pods are bright red.
When seeds are mature, seed pods will open.

Problems and Pests

Bixa plants are typically pest and disease free. For more information on these problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery

Bixia seeds, also called Annatto seeds.
These seeds can be turned into a powder that is used in cooking to impart bright red color.
These trees and shrubs produce delicate green leaves, pink flowers, and red seed pods.

Videos

All about Lipstick Trees.
How to care for a Lipstick Tree in the garden.

Resources

Wikipedia: Medicago
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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