XMedicago lupulina - Black MedickX
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Black Medick -or- Nonesuch (Medicago lupulina), family Fabaceae (Pea/Bean)
This Fabaceae species is easily confused with members of the 'true clovers' from the trifolium genus. We shoud know since our original publication of the plant was Field Clover. Black Medick belongs to the same genus as alfalfa and is even more widespread in North America, covering a vast area of the continent.
Per WIKIPEDIA: A native of the old world, black medick is found throughout Europe, north Africa, and much of Asia, including India, China, and Korea. It thrives in dry limestone grounds and coastal sand dunes, where it suffers less competition from the other plants, and as such is found on many islands, such as Taiwan, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. The plant is naturalized throughout the United States, including Hawaii. Black medick is resistant to cold. Black Medic can be an annual or perennial depending on its location. It was introduced from Europe and is now a common weed of lawns and gardens which reproduces by seeds; flowers are sternotribic (stamens and stigma contact underside of pollinator).
Per the website Montana Plant Life are these uses of the species:
Edible Uses: Seeds can be sprouted just like other Medicago species, like alfalfa can. Even the seeds themselves are said to edible, but are cumbersome to collect in any quantity. California Indians apparently ate the seeds. They can be ground into a meal. The seed is said to contain trypsin inhibitors. These can interfere with certain enzymes that help in the digestion of proteins, but are normally destroyed if the seed is sprouted first. The leaves of burclover have been used as a potherb as well.
Medicinal Uses: Aqueous extracts of the plant have been found to have antibacterial properties against micro-organisms. The plant has agents that can be used for easing pain or discomfort.
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Plant location: Found in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming on August 28, 2009. The elevation was 7216'. GPS coordinates: N44?31.719 W110?50.186.Plant -
Bloom period: June through August. Note the inset in this frame. The plant was advanced enough in it's season to be bearing fruit in addition to flowers.Foliage -
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