Black Medic

Scientific Name - Medicago lupulin L.
Family - Leguminosae

Dark green taprooted annual with a spreading, prostrate growth habit. Leaves alternate, composed of three leaflets on square stems. Leaflets wedge-shaped, as long as broad, toothed near tip, and with a small spur at tip. Produces tight, compressed cluster of bright yellow flowers (10 to 50) at the leaf axils. At maturity, each flower forms a tightly coiled black seed pod. Reproduces by seed. Found throughout the continental United States and Hawaii. Also occurs in Canada, the West Indies, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.