Plant DetailShow Menu

California Burclover Medicago polymorpha

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Medicago hispida
Phonetic Spelling
med-DIK-ah-go pol-ee-MOR-fuh
Description

Burr Medic is an annual weed in the bean family.  It forms mats on the ground as it spreads and is often found along roadsides, disturbed areas, and streambanks.  In its roots it is able to form a symbiotic relationship with a fungus (Sinorhizobium medicae) which allows it fix nitrogen.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#high maintenance#stream banks#disturbed areas#annual weed#roadside#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#high maintenance#stream banks#disturbed areas#annual weed#roadside#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Medicago
    Species:
    polymorpha
    Family:
    Fabaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe, Asia, Africa
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Weed
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Gray/Silver
    Fruit Type:
    Legume
    Fruit Description:
    Prickly gray black cylidrical and coiled with burs that attach to fur for dispersal. Several seeds inside.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Problems:
    Weedy