Early medick (Medicago praecox, Cat. Pl. Horti Monsp.: 123 (1813))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: Cat. Pl. Horti Monsp.: 123 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Medicago

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Europe to Syria

Description

Early medick, scientifically known as Medicago praecox, is a captivating species belonging to the extensive Fabaceae family. This leguminous plant, first described in the catalog of plants of Montpellier by the botanist DC. in 1813, presents itself as an intriguing subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to the regions spanning Southern Europe to Syria, early medick thrives in a variety of habitats, adapting well to both cultivated fields and unkempt open grounds. This resilience and adaptability make it a common sight across its native range.

The plant features characteristic small, trifoliate leaves that are typical of the genus Medicago. The foliage’s trifoliate structure aids in its identification amidst the dense greenery of its preferred habitats. These leaflets are often accompanied by tiny, yellow flowers that bloom in clusters, adding a subtle yet vivid splash of color to the landscape.

One of the most notable aspects of Medicago praecox is its contribution to the nitrogen cycle, a common trait within the Fabaceae family. Its ability to fix nitrogen enriches the soil, which benefits other plants in its vicinity and enhances the overall health of the ecosystem.

In addition to its ecological benefits, early medick has been of interest in agricultural contexts. Its presence in fields can indicate certain soil characteristics, and it sometimes finds a place in discussions about green manure and cover crops due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities.

In essence, Medicago praecox is more than just a plant; it is a valuable component of its ecosystem, playing a crucial role in soil health and biodiversity. Its unmistakable trifoliate leaves and bright yellow flower clusters not only contribute to the aesthetics of its environment but also mark its significant presence across Southern Europe to the well-worn paths of Syria.

Common Names

Eng: early medick, mediterranean medick, small-leaved bur medick
Dan: tidlig sneglebælg
Swe: vårlusern
Cym: maglys cynnar
En: Early medick, Mediterranean medick, Small-leaved bur medick
Ar: فصة مبكرة
Zh: 早花苜蓿
Da: Tidlig sneglebælg
Fr: Luzerne précoce
De: Früher Schneckenklee
It: Erba medica precoce, Erba-medica precoce
Sv: Vårlusern
Zh-hant: 早花苜蓿
Vi: Linh lăng Địa Trung Hải
Cy: Maglys cynnar

Synonyms

• Medica praecox ((DC.) Bubani)
• Medicago praecox f. coerulea-venosa (Urb.)
• Medicago pontificalis (Gennari)

Distribution

• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Georges Olioso (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Henri Scordia (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Georges Olioso (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Clémence Delmas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Henri Scordia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 15, 1992 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 21, 2015 by EOL − gunarson (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Apr 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2965419)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:506362-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Medicago praecox DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]