Medicago lupulina
broadleaf weedUSDA zones 3–10Active: spring, summerLow-growing annual legume often confused with clover. Produces small yellow flower clusters and distinctive black kidney-shaped seed pods.
Trifoliate leaves with tiny point at center leaflet tip; small bright yellow ball-shaped flower clusters; black coiled seed pods.
Black medic thrives in low-nitrogen soil. Proper fertilization favors turf over legumes.
When: Fertilize per soil test; emphasis on fall and spring
Shallow roots make pulling easy. Remove before seed pods turn black and drop.
When: Pull in late spring before seeds mature
Spring pre-emergent reduces black medic germination.
When: Apply in early spring
More effective than 2,4-D for black medic and other legumes.
When: Apply when actively growing in spring or fall
Active ingredient: Triclopyr — e.g. Turflon Ester, T-Zone
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
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