Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) is a UK native yellow-flowering legume that improves soil health, attracts pollinators, and is ideal for dry, low-fertility sites and green cover projects.
Benefits
Yellow flowers attract bees and pollinators
Excellent nitrogen-fixing legume species
Grows in nutrient-poor, dry soils
Suitable for embankments, turf, and verges
Low-growing and tolerant of mowing
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Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) is a fast-establishing, low-growing annual to short-lived perennial wildflower native to the UK. It produces clusters of small, bright yellow flowers that bloom from spring through summer and are followed by distinctive coiled black seed pods. A member of the legume family, Black Medick is a natural nitrogen fixer that improves soil fertility, making it especially valuable in meadow restoration, soil improvement projects, and green cover systems.
Thriving in dry, well-drained soils and sunny conditions, Black Medick is particularly useful in wildflower mixes for embankments, road verges, lawns, and light grassland areas. Its flowers attract pollinators like bees, and the plant is well adapted to mowing and grazing, contributing to sustainable landscape management.
Features & Benefits
Small, bright yellow flowers support pollinators
Fixes nitrogen and enhances soil quality
Rapid establishment in dry, nutrient-poor soils
Tolerant of mowing and grazing
Ideal for green cover, soil restoration, and wildflower turf
Latin Name:
Medicago lupulina
Flowering Time:
April – September
Flowering Height:
10 – 30 cm
Life Cycle:
Annual to short-lived perennial
Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
5.5kg per acre (13.6kg per hectare)
Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)
How to Sow & Preparation
Select a sunny location with dry, well-drained soil.
Remove weeds and prepare a fine, level seedbed.
Broadcast the seed evenly across the surface.
Firm the seed in using a roller or by lightly treading.
Water during dry spells to aid germination.
Can be integrated into grass swards or mixed wildflower schemes.
About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has been a trusted supplier of native UK wildflower seeds for over 35 years. Known for its high-quality, locally sourced seed and outstanding customer service, John Chambers provides ecological solutions for landscape contractors, local authorities, and conservationists focused on creating sustainable, biodiverse landscapes.
Attribute Detail
Latin Name Medicago lupulina
Flowering Time April – September
Flowering Height 10 – 30 cm
Life Cycle Annual to short-lived perennial
Sowing Rate 5.5kg per acre (13.6kg per hectare)
Sowing Period Spring or Autumn
Preferred Conditions Dry, well-drained soils in full sun
Pollinator Friendly Yes
Minimum Order Quantity 100g
Ideal For Green cover, verges, turf mixes, soil restoration
