Weeds of the medic (medicago) genus want to take over your lawn.
Don’t mistake these green space invaders for other turf pests. Here’s how to identify and eliminate them.
Burr Medic (Medicago polymorpha)
This hairless intruder likes to occupy soil high in phosphate. As the name suggests it produces burrs, which contain seeds. Beware! The burrs can attach to your dog’s coat or yours. Its leaves are heart shaped and clover-like, with serrated edges. Burr medic produces tap roots and small yellow flowers.
(Image Source: Turf Finder)
Your defense system:
Hand-to-land combat: pull ’em out with your fingers.
Chemical warfare: Use a broad leaf herbicide, such as All Purpose Weed Control.
Spotted Medic (Medicago Arabica)
This encroacher has black spots on its leaves, which are again, clover-like and serrated. Spotted medic also produces a yellow flower.
Your defense system:
Hand-to-land combat: pull ’em out with your fingers.
Chemical warfare: Use a broad leaf herbicide, such as All Purpose Weed Control.
Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)
This trespasser grows well where soil is compacted and dry. It produces a small yellow flower and has clover-like leaves that are serrated near the tip. Black medic may produce a tap root. Don’t confuse it with oxalis or other clovers. The presence of black medic can indicate your soil lacks nitrogen.
Your defense system:
Hand-to-land combat: Pull it out by hand or aerate your lawn to overcome compaction. Mowing high may also help.
Chemical warfare: Use a broad leaf herbicide, such as All Purpose Weed Control or a pre-emergent broad leaf herbicide such as Oxafert.
