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Moon Trefoil

Medicago arboreafam. Fabaceae
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Medicago arborea (Moon Trefoil) — botanical photograph
Pl. 8F0B — Medicago arborea
Medicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arboreaMedicago arborea
I

Overview

Moon Trefoil, scientifically known as Medicago arborea, is a shrub belonging to the Fabaceae or leguminosae family. Native to Mediterranean regions including Albania, Baleares, East Aegean Islands, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Sardegna, Sicilia, and Spain, as well as Turkey, this plant has also been introduced to various other areas such as Algeria, Canary Islands, Chile, China, Cyprus, France, Morocco, New Zealand, Palestine, Portugal, Queensland, Tasmania, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Moon Trefoil is both edible and medicinal, with its leaves and shoots often used in salads for their mild flavor. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7. This plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and is known for its distinctive light green foliage, which adds ornamental value to gardens. Moon Trefoil is a nitrogen fixer and can improve soil fertility, making it a valuable addition to agricultural landscapes. While it is generally safe, caution should be exercised when using any plant for medicinal purposes, as individual reactions may vary.

Quick answers

What is Moon Trefoil?

Moon Trefoil, scientifically known as Medicago arborea, is a shrub belonging to the Fabaceae or leguminosae family.

Compare with:Astragalus christianus→Astragalus shinanensis→Black Medick→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestion
tincture
Traditional use for digestive issues.
Skin Soother
skin
decoction
Traditional use for skin conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Moon Trefoil thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a pH of 6.5–7. It is adaptable to various moisture levels but generally prefers dry to moist conditions. This plant requires full sun or partial shade and grows up to 2 meters tall. For cultivation, harvest edible parts such as leaves and shoots. Moon Trefoil is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 7-10 on the hardiness scale.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
2.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers

How to grow Moon Trefoil for the first time

8steps

Moon Trefoil is a hardy plant that can be grown by beginners with basic care.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or seedlings, a garden fork, and a rake.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Prepare soil that is well-draining with a pH between 6.5 and 7, and loosen it to a depth of about 30 cm.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows spaced 30-45 cm apart, or transplant seedlings into the prepared soil.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water deeply once a week, depending on rainfall. Fertilize with compost in early spring. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Moon Trefoil can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixerFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

10 native · 16 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 10 native· 16 introduced
Europe8 regions
native (4)AlbaniaGreeceItalySpain
introduced (4)CyprusFrancePortugalSpain
Asia3 regions
native (1)Turkey
introduced (2)ChinaPalestine
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Uruguay
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti
introduced:Chile Central, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Queensland, Tasmania
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Medicago arborea (Moon Trefoil) — botanical photograph
Moon Trefoil (Medicago arborea)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

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