Black Medic
Scientific Name: Medicago lupulina L.
Other Names: trefoil, black clover, hop clover
Life Cycle: summer annual
General Description: A prostrate summer annual with compound leaflets.
Seedlings: Cotyledons
are ovate and pale green in color. First leaf is simple and ovate. All
subsequent leaves are compound with three leaflets.
True Leaves and Stem: Leaves
are alternate and conpound wiht three egg-shaped leaflets. Leaflets
have very small teeth. Center leaflet on a longer stalk than lateral
leaflets. Stipules are present at the base of the petiole.
Roots: Shallow taproot
Flower and Fruit: Flowers are yellow and clover-like in appearance. Fruit is kidney-shaped and brown ( 1.5 - 2 mm long).