Overview

Medicago laciniata is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Medicago, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Medicago laciniata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.

About

Medicago laciniata is a bushy, deciduous cultivar within the Medicago genus, which includes annuals, perennials, or small shrubs with typically three leaflets per leaf. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for fertile, well-drained soil. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and is suitable for wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens. Medicago laciniata flowers in spring and summer, attracting bees and butterflies with its pea-like flower clusters.

About the genus

Medicago is a genus of flowering plants, commonly known as medick or burclover, in the legume family (Fabaceae). It contains at least 87 species. The genus name is based on the Latin name for that plant, medica, from Greek: μηδική (πόα) Median (grass).

Wikipedia contributors, "Medicago", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Medicago

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Medicago

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Medicago laciniata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Medicago laciniata

Propagation

Propagate from seed sown in autumn

Pest resistance

Alfalfa weevil, Leafhoppers, Spotted aphids

Disease resistance

Bacterial wilt

Frequently asked questions