Common names: button clover, button medic

Scientific names: Medicago orbicularis

Seasons of significant use: spring

Characteristics: Introduced, naturalized, annual, cool season forb to 1.0 foot. Stems decumbent or ascending; leaves alternate, pinnately trifoliolate compound; leaflets 3, mostly obovate to obcordate; flowers yellow, 1-5 per stalk; fruit is a pod that is tightly coiled (with 2-6 spirals) into a circle, without prickles. Flowers April-May.

Plant community type: Open areas. Often along roadsides and in other places with moderate soil disturbance.

Comments: Sometimes used to overseed perennial grass pastures.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family