Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) colonises some urban habitats and can be found along roadsides, on walls, between tram tracks in gardens or parks. If necessary, it can also survive in parking lots. It belongs to the legume family and is related to white and red clover, but not to the wood sorrel species.
The flowering period of Hop Clover or Nonesuch, as Black Medick is also known, can last from May to October. It grows as an annual or biennial, with creeping or upright shoots that can grow up to 50 centimeters long.
The growth form depends on the habitat. For example, flat-growing specimens can often be found along roadsides or on walls. In semi-shady locations or meadows, hop clover grows upright.
Medicago lupulina can survive well in villages and towns, as it can cope with dry soil and few nutrients. Its natural range is in Europe and North Africa, in Asia it reaches as far as Korea. As an introduced species it can also be found in Australia, North America and some South American countries.
The black animal is the larva of a ladybird.
Categories: Wildflowers | Yellow & Orange Flowers |
