Calvary clover (Medicago intertexta)

Calvary clover

Medicago intertexta

Fuzzy, low-spreading ground cover with delicate yellow blooms. Annual flowering herb; common names: Calvary clover, woolly medick.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun exposure preferred for robust flowering and growth; tolerates partial shade in hot climates
💧
Watering Drought-tolerant once established; allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings to avoid root rot
🌡️
Temperature Tolerates light frost (down to 5°C); thrives in temperate to warm Mediterranean climates
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Trifoliate leaves with oval, densely hairy leaflets; pale green to silvery-green
  • Flower: Small, pea-like yellow blooms in compact axillary clusters
  • Stem: Prostrate, woolly pubescent stems that root at nodes
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; avoid overwatering

Fertilization

Light, diluted feed once monthly during active growth. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote flowering rather than foliage growth

Composted banana peel tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 before applying as root drench to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage prolonged blooming
  • Trim overgrown prostrate stems to maintain a neat ground cover appearance
  • Remove yellow or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; edible young foliage in small quantities

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Forage for grazing livestock; low-growing ground cover for erosion control; wildflower meadow component