Black Medick
Medicago lupulinafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 578C — Medicago lupulina
Medicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulinaMedicago lupulina
IOverview
Overview
Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) is a member of the Fabaceae family and is known for its edible and medicinal properties. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Bangladesh, this plant has spread across much of Europe and Asia. It thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. The plant reaches heights of about 0.5 meters and is either annual or perennial. Its leaves and seeds are edible, while its medicinal uses have been documented. One distinctive feature of Black Medick is its light texture, with an energetic rating of 7 out of 10, indicating it prefers moist environments.
Quick answers
What is Black Medick?
Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) is a member of the Fabaceae family and is known for its edible and medicinal properties. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Bangladesh, this plant has spread across much of Europe and Asia.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Black Medick thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH range of 5.5 to 8. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 4 to 8. This plant requires moist conditions and can grow up to 0.5 meters tall, making it suitable for both annual and perennial cultivation. For best results, provide full sun or partial shade. Propagation is straightforward through seeds, which can be sown directly into the garden bed. Harvest leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Black Medick for the first time
8steps
Start with Black Medick as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for cooler climates.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure pH between 5.5–8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 4 inches apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering as needed, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back the plant in late summer to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of Black Medick are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, often added to salads or used as a spinach substitute. Seeds are typically harvested and dried before being ground into flour or roasted for use in various dishes.
Other uses:Cover cropDynamic accumulatorNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryPortugalRussiaSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)BangladeshChinaIndia
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaEgyptEritreaEthiopia
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, East Aegean Is., Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 578c88a3-07f0-461f-9673-509d53d94790
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