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.

Latin Name | Medicago lupulina

Flowering Time | April – September

Flowering Height | 10 – 30 cm

Life Cycle | Annual to short-lived perennial

Sowing Rate | 5.5 kg per acre (13.6 kg per hectare)

Sowing Period | Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)

Preferred Conditions | Dry, well-drained soils in full sun

Pollinator Friendly | Yes

Minimum Order Quantity | 100 g

Ideal For | Green cover, road verges, turf mixes, soil restoration