Black Medic (Medicago lupulina). Photo: Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Black medic is usually first noticed when it produces numerous round yellow flowers in clover-like clusters. Flowers eventually form black seedpods that persist on dark brown to black prostrate stems. A legume that is a summer annual with alternate compound leaves with 3 leaflets that closely resembles clover. Toothed stipules are present at the petiole bases. Forms a shallow taproot with small nodules. Often mistaken for wood sorrel (Oxalis).
Maintain healthy, dense turf that can compete and prevent weed establishment.
Hand pulling or using an appropriate weeding tool are the primary means of mechanical weed control in lawns. This is a viable option at the beginning of an infestation and on young weeds. Hand pulling when the soil is moist makes the task easier.
Manage Weeds Without Chemicals
If you choose this option, spot treat weeds with a liquid, selective, postemergent, broadleaf weed killer applied when weeds are actively growing. Look for a product with one or more of the following active ingredients: 2, 4-D, MCPP (mecoprop), Dicamba*, or Triclopyr.
*Do not spray herbicides containing dicamba over the root zone of trees and shrubs. Roots can absorb the product possibly causing plant damage. Refer to the product label for precautions.
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