2O2 THE FORAGE AND FIBER CROl'S IN AMERICA 



The plant is sometimes confused with yellow suckling clover 

 (Trifolium filiforme L.) and hop clover (T. procumbent L.), 

 both of which have small heads of yellow flowers. Both may 

 be distinguished by the fact that their leaflets arise from the 

 end of the leaf stalk, palmate, while in black medic the lateral 

 leaves arise on the sides of the leaf stalk, pinnate. Moreover, 

 in these clovers, as in other clovers, the corolla is persistent, 

 its withered remains enveloping the pod. 



235. Adaptation. The plant is grown somewhat extensively 

 in the cooler countries of Europe, but has never been generally 

 used in North America. It has attracted attention here chiefly 

 by reason of the use of imported seed to adulterate alfalfa and 

 red clover. It is adapted to the same soils as red clover and 

 has a climatic adaptation similar to that of alsike clover. In 

 other words, it does best on limestone friable soils in a cool, 

 moist climate. It will, however, remain green during summer 

 droughts, and has for this reason been recommended for lawn 

 mixtures, probably unwisely. On account of its small yield 

 and habit of growth, it is adapted only to pasture. Even for 

 this purpose, it is not equal to white clover. The evidence 

 seems to be that it is palatable and nutritious and, in suitable 

 climates and on suitable soils, where clovers fail it may be 

 worthy of trial. It may be described as a weak biennial. It 

 has almost the habit of an annual, in that under suitable con- 

 ditions it makes its chief growth the first season and usually 

 dies after the first cutting the second year. It seeds so abun- 

 dantly, however, that its growth is practically permanent. 



236. Seed. The cheapness of the seed, which is one of the 

 factors to cause it to be cultivated in Europe, has also caused 

 it to be used as an adulterant. The seeds are about the same 

 size and shape as the smaller and more oval seeds of alfalfa 

 (325,000 per pound). They are to be distinguished by the 

 more regular, globular form and the more prominent project- 



