Black Medic
Medicago lupulina
Black Medic (Medicago lupulina) is a summer annual broadleaf weed characterized by three oval leaflets with center leaflet on a distinct stalk; small bright yellow flower heads; black kidney-shaped seed pods.. It anchors via a deep fleshy taproot root system and is selectively controlled using 2,4-D + MCPP + Dicamba or Fluroxypyr applied during spring or early summer during active vegetative growth..
2,4-D + MCPP + Dicamba or Fluroxypyr
Three oval leaflets with center leaflet on a distinct stalk; small bright yellow flower heads; black kidney-shaped seed pods.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's EPA-approved pesticide product label. The label is the law under federal FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) regulations. Application rates, personal protective equipment (PPE), target weed maturity stages, temperature restrictions, and grazing or re-entry intervals specified on the EPA container label supersede all online recommendations. Local state regulations may restrict certain active ingredients.
University-Verified Herbicide Formulations
Professional active formulations cross-referenced against university weed science trials.
Tenacity Herbicide (Mesotrione 8 oz)
Active: 40% Mesotrione Selective Systemic
Gold standard selective pre- and post-emergent targeting crabgrass, ground ivy, yellow nutsedge, and clover during overseeding.
SedgeHammer+ Turf Herbicide (Halosulfuron 0.5 oz)
Active: 5% Halosulfuron-methyl with Surfactant
Pre-mixed with surfactant for 1-gallon sprayers. Translocates into underground nutlets without injuring cool or warm season lawns.
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Botanical Identification Key for Black Medic
Accurately identifying Medicago lupulina is essential because spraying non-selective chemicals like glyphosate risks killing desirable lawn grass. Look for these botanical hallmarks:
- Foliar Morphology: Three oval leaflets with center leaflet on a distinct stalk; small bright yellow flower heads; black kidney-shaped seed pods..
- Root Architecture: Anchored by a deep fleshy taproot, making manual pulling ineffective unless the entire root crown is extracted.
- Growth Period: Active during summer annual cycles, flourishing when lawn turf is stressed or cut too short.
Eradication Protocol & Selective Herbicide Selection
To eradicate Black Medic while preserving your lawn turfgrass, apply 2,4-D + MCPP + Dicamba or Fluroxypyr during Spring or early summer during active vegetative growth.. Ensure that the active ingredients match your host turfgrass tolerances:
- Temperature Safety Band: Apply when ambient air temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F. Never apply volatile ester herbicides in temperatures exceeding 85°F to prevent herbicide vapor drift and leaf burn.
- Adjuvant / Surfactant: For waxy or hairy weed foliage, mix with a methylated seed oil (MSO) or non-ionic surfactant according to EPA label instructions to enhance chemical cuticle penetration.
- Mowing Holdback: Do not mow the lawn 2 days prior to spraying or 2 days after application to maximize foliar surface area for chemical absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Medic
01 How do I kill Black Medic without harming my lawn?
Use a selective herbicide labeled for your specific turfgrass species containing 2,4-D + MCPP + Dicamba or Fluroxypyr. Spray when Black Medic is actively growing during spring or early summer during active vegetative growth.. Always check your host grass in our weed triage tool before application.
02 Why does pulling Black Medic by hand often fail?
Black Medic anchors via a deep fleshy taproot. Hand-pulling often breaks the crown or leaves underground root fragments, rhizomes, or nutlets behind, which triggers rapid regrowth. Systemic selective herbicides translocate down through the vascular tissue to destroy the entire root structure.
03 What class of weed is Black Medic?
Black Medic is classified botanically as a Broadleaf weed with a Summer Annual life cycle.
04 When is the best time of year to treat Black Medic?
The optimal eradication window is Spring or early summer during active vegetative growth.. Applying when temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F ensures maximum chemical absorption and prevents foliar heat stress to your desirable lawn.