Black Medic (Medicago lupulina) is part of the legume family and can quickly become a nuisance weed in lawns, gardens, fields, pastures, and more. Also known as hop medic or black clover, this yellow-flowering weed can be controlled by utilizing an effective herbicide application strategy and improving your lawn's health.
Learn more about selecting and applying the best herbicides for black medic control below.
Eliminate Existing Black Medic Weeds in Your Lawn
If you already have Black Medic growing in your lawn or garden, you'll need to apply a selective post-emergent weed killer to get rid of black medic weeds. You'll need to select and apply a post-emergent herbicide that is labeled for black medic control in your application area. Be sure to consult the label of your selected product to confirm the exact application rate and instructions for your type of turf.
When choosing the best Black Medic post-emergent herbicide, you'll want to take the following things into consideration for your needs:
- Pick an herbicide labeled for Black Medic control: There are many weed killers available, but you'll want to look for a selective broadleaf post-emergent herbicide that is labeled to control Black Medic in the area where you'll be applying. Some herbicides can be applied in lawns, fields, pastures, and more. Other herbicides may be limited to where they can be applied.
- Select the right active ingredients: Consider applying a two-way or three-way herbicide containing the active ingredients 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPP, triclopyr (cool-season turfs only), or fluroxypyr. These active ingredients are known for their effectiveness against black medic weeds in turfgrass areas.
- Check herbicide compatibility with your turf: Check the product label to ensure that the herbicide can be used safely around desirable turf grass or plants. Some post-emergents can be used on a wide variety of plants, while others can only be used on specific turf types. Ensuring your herbicide is compatible with your turf type will help reduce any damage to desirable plants where you'll be applying.
- Apply at the right time: The best time to apply a weed killer to Black Medic is when the plant is actively growing. This is usually from late spring to early summer and early-to-mid fall. Black medic weeds are mostly a spring and summer nuisance, and that's when you should keep an eye out for the small yellow flowers that indicate new weed growth on your property.
To apply your herbicide, follow the instructions on the label of the product you select for mix rates and application instructions, as each will be different. Be sure to wear protective gloves, long-sleeves, and closed-toe shoes when mixing and spraying the herbicide.
Pro Tip
When selecting an herbicide to get rid of Black Medic, review the product label to confirm that the product can be safely used on your lawn.
For example, herbicides containing the active ingredient Triclopyr can be used on most cool-season grass types but should not be used on warm season turfs, as it can damage or kill these grasses. On the other hand, some products like Celsius WG should only be used in warm-season turfgrasses.
Products needed for Step 1
Prevent Future Black Medic Weeds
After you have treated for existing weeds, you will want to get ahead of new Black Medic growth with a pre-emergent herbicide.
Black Medic reproduces from seed, and the plant leaves behind hardy seeds that can remain viable in the soil for several years. To avoid the appearance of any further unwanted weeds on your lawn, apply a weed preventer labeled for Black Medic control in your turf type in the spring before the soil warms enough to trigger new seed germination and again in the fall.
Pre-emergent herbicides containing the active ingredients dithiopyr and isoxaben have shown to be effective in preventing Black Medic.
Our pros have great suggestions for the right products to use on your lawn for black medic prevention. Check out the recommended pre-emergent herbicide products below to prevent future appearances of this weed.
In addition to applying a pre-emergent herbicide, you'll want to make sure your lawn is in the best condition to prevent new black medic growth. Learn more about the cultural practices you can implement to keep your lawn healthy and help prevent black medic.
Products needed for Step 2
If you have seen black medic in your lawn before, there are steps you can take to prevent the weed from returning the following year. Read our guide on how to stop black medic from growing in your lawn to learn how. Click the right arrow below to read more.