Edge/ Black Medick

COMMON NAME: Black Medick

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Nonesuch

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Medicago lupulina

FAMILY: Fabaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized native of Eurasia

LIFESPAN: Annual or Biennial

HEIGHT: Prostrate with ascending stems to 3 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Early April to late October; most May and June

FRUITING TIME: Fruit persists to early November

DISTRIBUTION: Statewide in NJ as a common weed

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Prostrate ~ Downey stems ~ tightly coiled, one-seeded black seed pod ~ Three leaflets with fine bristle-tip ~ Clover-like yellow flower

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Fabaceae) commonly called the Pea or Bean Family consists of 459 genera and 14,400 species of herbs, shrubs, vines and trees found in temperate, cold and tropical regions.  The family is of major economic importance, providing edible beans and peas for animals, ornamentals, and dyes. The seeds can be eaten as is or ground into a flour. Another plant in this genus (Medicago sativa), known by the common name of  Alfalfa, was used in folk medicine to treat diabetes and thyroid conditions.  Today it is recognized that Alfalfa contains many pharmacologically active ingredients that act upon the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.