Etymology: Medicago: derived from Medike, or medick, the Greek name for alfalfa, which came to Greece from Medea
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall forb; slender stems; deep roots
Leaves: stalked, 3-parted, long and narrow
Flowers: purple to cream, 5-parted, 1/4"-1/2" long, calyx not 2-lipped; inflorescence a stalked, rounded to cylindrical, head-like cluster (raceme) of short-stalked flowers; blooms June-Sept.
Fruits: finely-hairy pod
Habitat: disturbed sites
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall forb; slender stems; deep roots
Leaves: stalked, 3-parted, long and narrow
Flowers: purple to cream, 5-parted, 1/4"-1/2" long, calyx not 2-lipped; inflorescence a stalked, rounded to cylindrical, head-like cluster (raceme) of short-stalked flowers; blooms June-Sept.
Fruits: finely-hairy pod
Habitat: disturbed sites
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
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. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Matthew L. Wagner
Robert Bierman
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Stephen L. Solheim
Kurt Stüber
Botanical Illustration
