Coastal Medick (Medicago littoralis)

Coastal Medick

Medicago littoralis

Low-growing ground cover with delicate yellow blooms, ideal for coastal gardens. Annual herbaceous flowering plant; common name: shore medick.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Requires full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray and prolonged direct sunlight
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil dries completely; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Tolerates mild winter frost (down to 5°C) and warm summer temperatures up to 30°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Trifoliate leaves with oval, finely toothed leaflets; glossy medium green foliage
  • Flower: Small, bright yellow pea-like blooms in compact axillary clusters
  • Stem: Slender, trailing stems that root at nodes to form continuous ground cover
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize flower production over foliage growth

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and water in to release calcium gradually without causing soil pH imbalance
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage extended blooming through early summer
  • Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
  • Trim back entire plant after flowering to prevent excessive self-seeding if natural propagation is not desired
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

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

Humans: No known toxic effects; safe for human handling and occasional forage use

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Coastal soil stabilization, low-maintenance ground cover, forage for small livestock