Broadleaf Weeds - Vacant Lot - Burr Medic
BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Broadleaf Weeds
Burr Medic
Also called Burr-Medick · Medicago polymorpha
Common Name
Burr Medic, Burr-Medick
Latin Name
Medicago polymorpha
Family
Fabaceae (Legume family)
Life Cycle / Type
Winter annual · Broadleaf (legume)
What Is It?
Burr medic is a winter annual broadleaf legume with three small leaflets and tiny yellow flowers. It forms round, spiky seed pods (“burrs”) that stick to socks, shoes, and pet fur. It commonly appears in thin or dormant turf, pastures, and disturbed soil.
Soil Temperature & Germination
Burr medic germinates as soils cool in the fall.
Below 55°F
Germination begins
Cool winter soils
Continued establishment
Decision Question
Is the weed visible above the soil right now?
Why This Weed Comes Back
Missed fall pre-emergent timing
Thin or dormant turf going into winter
Bare or disturbed soil
Learn the Basics
A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against weeds.
