Small Burclover Plant Care
Medicago minima (L.) L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Medicago minima is a plant species of the genus Medicago. It is native to the Mediterranean basin but is found worldwide.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Small Burclover?
Water Small Burclover every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Small Burclover Native To?
What Is the Small Burclover?
Small Burclover (Medicago minima) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Medicago genus. Small Burclover is native to the Mediterranean basin. Small Burclover is also known as Least Burclover.
Small Burclover displays an upright, spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Small Burclover produces small clusters of yellow flowers in elongated spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Small Burclover?
Medicago minima requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Small Burclover Need?
Small Burclover thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Small Burclover Prefer?
Medicago minima grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Small Burclover prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Small Burclover?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Small Burclover to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Small Burclover?
Feed Small Burclover every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Small Burclover?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Small Burclover?
Small Burclover can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alfalfa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Small Burclover Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Small Burclover, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Small Burclover?
Small Burclover is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Small Burclover Need?
Small Burclover grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Small Burclover is native to the Mediterranean basin. In cooler regions, grow Small Burclover as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Small Burclover is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Medicago genus — compare its care with other Medicago species on PlantoScan.
Medicago is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Small Burclover thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Medicago Species
Other Medicago species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Medicago minima (L.) L., family Fabaceae — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Small Burclover, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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