Black Medick

Scientific Name: Medicago lupulina

Other Names: Nonesuch , Hop Clover

Leaf Type: Broadleaf

Flowers: Small yellow flowers grouped into tight bunches

Leaves: Each leaf is made up of three leaflets, similar to a clover, with a slightly toothed edge. Leaves will be bright green with smooth, waxy texture.

Life Cycle: Annual

DESCRIPTION

Black Medick is an annual plant that typically grows in dry, open areas.

HOW TO IDENTIFY

Look for a small plant with yellow flower buds that looks like it could be clover. It also produces small, black, seed-like fruits. Will often be found in or near fields or open areas as it is often used as a forage crop for livestock.

Mechanical Control Recommendations

Hand pulling
For small infestations, hand pulling can be effective. Make sure to remove the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth.
Mowing
Regularly mowing the area can help control black medick by preventing it from flowering and setting seeds. Frequent mowing can weaken the plants over time.
Cutting and Pruning
Use shears or a weed trimmer to cut back the black medick. This method is especially useful when dealing with larger areas or dense growth.
Hoeing
Use a hoe to sever the plant's roots just below the soil surface. This method disrupts the plant's growth and can help prevent it from regrowing.
Mulching
Applying a thick layer of organic mulch can smother black medick and prevent its growth. Make sure to use weed-free mulch to avoid introducing more seeds into the area.
Tilling
For severe infestations, tilling the soil can help disrupt the root system of black medick and expose it to harsh conditions. However, be cautious, as tilling can also bring buried seeds to the surface, leading to more germination.
Solarization
This method involves covering the infested area with clear plastic during hot summer months. The heat trapped under the plastic can kill the black medick and other weed seeds in the soil.

Pre-emergent herbicides:

Prodiamine: Prodiamine is a pre-emergent herbicide Isoxaben: Isoxaben is another pre-emergent herbicide Pendimethalin: Pendimethalin is a pre-emergent Oryzalin: Oryzalin is a pre-emergent herbicide Dithiopyr: Dithiopyr is a pre-emergent herbicide

Post-emergent herbicides:

Clopyralid: Clopyralid is a selective post-emergent herbicide Triclopyr: Triclopyr is another selective post-emergent herbicide 2,4-D: 2,4-D is a commonly used selective post-emergent herbicide Metsulfuron-methyl: Metsulfuron-methyl is a systemic post-emergent herbicide Sulfentrazone: Sulfentrazone is a post-emergent herbicide Quinclorac: Quinclorac is a post-emergent herbicide

Selective herbicides:

Herbicide Combinations:

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