Black Medic Weeds

Basic Information.

Black Medic is normally a summer annual, but can act as a perennial in some conditions . It has a tap root, and spreads low to the ground, but it does not root from nodes on the stems. Black medic is more active on soils low in nitrogen fertility.

The leaf is similar to clover and other legumes, having three leaflets. Black medic's center leaflet is on a separate petiole.

The flower of black medic is a compressed cluster of bright yellow flowers in the shape of a globular spike on short branches. The seed pod will turn black at maturity. Black medic produces viable seed under normal mowing conditions.

Black Medic location.

Black medic is found throughout the United States.

Cultural Practices.

Good turf management practices, including a balanced nitrogen/phosphorus fertilization program, will encourage a dense stand of turf and make it difficult for black medic to persist. A nitrogen/phosphorus ratio of 2:1 is recommended where black medic has become established. Soil testing can confirm low phosphorus levels.

Herbicide usage.

Apply a selective herbicide to actively growing black medic during the seedling to flower growth stage.