Black Medick (Medicago lupulina)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Medicago lupulina is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. Used as a potherb. A nutritional analysis is available. Seed - cooked. Parched and eaten or ground into a powder. The seed is said to contain trypsin inhibitors. — Used as a potherb.; A nutritional analysis is available.; Parched and eaten or ground into a powder.; The seed is said to contain trypsin inhibitors.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy places and roadsides, often occurring as a garden weed on acid and calcareous soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)