Species black medic

black medic

Medicago lupulina

Black Medic (Medicago Lupulina) is an introduced plant species that is native to Eurasia and Africa. It is a nitrogen fixing species and an important cover crop in the eastern United States and Canada. It typically grows as a low-lying, nitrogen-rich, rosette-forming plant with dark green stems and leaves. Its small, yellow flowers are clustered in dense, round heads that have a black appearance. It is an efficient forager of phosphorus and other essential minerals and is known to tolerate dry, nutrient-deficient soils. It is often used as a cover crop in commercial vegetable farming, where it competes with weeds and helps to improve soil structure. It is also a valuable food source for beneficial insects and birds.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

6

Flowers:

Showy, Green-yellow, Yellow Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea) prefers consistently moist soil, especially when growing in warm summer months. It should be watered about once a week, preferably early in the morning or late afternoon, to ensure that the soil moisture does not evaporate quickly in the sun. For best results, water until the top inch of soil is moist but not soggy. If the soil is dry on the surface, the plant is likely in need of water. If in doubt, always check the soil before watering.

sunlight

Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea) prefers full sun exposure for best growth and production of flowers and fruits. It should be placed in a location that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day during the growing season. In cooler climates or shady areas, more sunlight may be necessary to ensure proper development. In addition, this plant should not be exposed to extreme temperatures, such as those near a cooling system or air conditioning unit. During the hottest part of the day, it should be sheltered from direct sunlight to prevent scorching or wilting.

pruning

Pineapple weed generally should be pruned in early spring, when the new buds are starting to show. Working between the end of February and beginning of April is the best timing, as long as the temperatures are above 0 Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). The idea is to only prune away old, worn-out stems and leaves to make room for the new growth. Pruning should be done lightly, removing no more than 20% of the plant’s total mass – any more than that can put too much stress on the plant and reduce flower production. Pruning also helps to keep the shape of the plant looking tidy and encourages new growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Harvest Fruit

Hardiness Map

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.