White clover and black medic are commonly found growing on low fertility, low maintenance sites. Black medic and clover are very competitive in low fertility sites because they host rhizobacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen into plant available nitrogen.

Broadleaf weeds white clover and black medic are now flowering in turf

In advance of the summer solstice, June 21, I’d noticed that a couple of the most persistent perennial broadleaf weeds have once again renewed their presence in lawns. White clover (Trifolium repens) and black medic (Medicago lupulina) are flowering and infesting turf.


White clover and black medic are commonly found growing on low fertility, low maintenance sites such as roadsides, boulevards, home lawns, and in some cases golf course rough. Black medic and clover are very competitive in low fertility sites because they host rhizobacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen into plant available nitrogen.


A long-term strategy to reduce their competitiveness in turf is to ensure adequate fertility levels. –Kevin Frank, Michigan State Extension


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