Montpellier Medick (Medicago monspeliaca)

Montpellier Medick

Medicago monspeliaca

Low-growing ground cover with delicate blooms, a tough drought-tolerant legume. Common name: Montpellier medick.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense summer sun in Mediterranean climates
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Watering Drought-tolerant; water deeply only when soil is completely dry
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Temperature Hardy to mild frosts; thrives in warm, dry conditions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Trifoliate, small oval leaflets with serrated margins; bright green
  • Flower: Clusters of tiny yellow pea-like blooms
  • Stem: Slender, trailing or ascending stems that root at nodes
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Care Guide

Watering

Water every 7–10 days during extended dry spells

Fertilization

Minimal feeding needed; legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen. No regular fertilization needed due to natural nitrogen-fixing ability

Eggshell powder top-dressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without burning shallow roots
Pruning
  • Trim back spent flower heads to encourage neat, compact growth
  • Thin overcrowded stems to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
  • Cut back to ground level in late autumn to promote fresh spring foliage growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no adverse effects reported

Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; edible young foliage in small quantities

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ground cover for erosion control; forage for livestock; ornamental rock garden plant