Page 122 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

Photo Courtesy of PBI/Gordon Corp. Black Medic
(Medicago lupulina)
Drawing by Andrew Schaible Black medic is normally a summer annual, but can act as a
perennial in some conditions . It has a tap root, and spreads low to
the ground, but it does not root from nodes on the stems. Black
medic is more active on soils low in nitrogen fertility.
The leaf is similar to clover and other legumes, having three leaflets.
Black medic’s center leaflet is on a separate petiole.
The flower of black medic is a compressed cluster of bright yellow
flowers in the shape of a globular spike on short branches. The
seed pod will turn black at maturity. Black medic produces viable
seed under normal mowing conditions.
Black medic is found throughout the continental United States.

Immature Stage
Integrated Pest Management Control Recommendations
Cultural Practices:
Good turf management practices, including a balanced nitrogen/phosphorus fertilization program, will encourage a
dense stand of turf and make it difficult for black medic to persist. A nitrogen/phosphorus ratio of 2:1 is recommended
where black medic has become established. Soil testing can confirm low phosphorus levels.
Herbicide Use:
If cultural recommendations are insufficient for a previously infested area, apply a selective herbicide to actively
growing black medic during the seedling to flower growth stage.

Cocklebur
(Xanthium strumariam)
Cocklebur is a summer annual with red- or black-spotted stems
growing 1 to 3 feet high. Leaves of this many-branched annual are
alternate, hairy, rough-textured, somewhat heart-shaped, toothed,
and lobed.
Flowers are inconspicuous with male flowers in terminal spikes,
female flowers in clusters in the leaf axils.
Cockleburs are found throughout the world

Immature Stage
Integrated Pest Management Control Recommendations

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