Bur medic (Medicago polymorpha)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Medicago polymorpha is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots, Flowers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in vitamins A, C, and E. — Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked as a potherb.; Only the young leaves are eaten raw.; Plants can be harvested on a cut and come again basis, the first harvest can be made about one month after sowing, plants can then be harvested another 3 - 4 times at intervals of a few weeks.; The young leaves contain about 6% protein, 0.14% fat, 9.5% carbohydrate, 1.4% ash.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy or gravelly soils near the sea in eastern and southern England. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)