Etymology: Medicago: derived from Medike, or medick, the Greek name for alfalfa, which came to Greece from Medea
Plants: sprawling to erect annual/biennial, up to 32" tall forb
Leaves: 3-parted with oval leaflets, the end leaflet stalked
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted, 1/8" long, keel (top petal) smooth, calyx not 2-lipped; inflorescence a dense, up to 1/3" roundish head with 10-50 stalkless flowers; blooms May-Sept.
Fruits: black, kidney-shaped pod with 1 seed
Habitat: disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized

Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC- USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.