Barrel Medic Plant Care
Medicago truncatula Gaertn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Medicago truncatula, the barrelclover, strong-spined medick, barrel medic, or barrel medick, is a small annual legume native to the Mediterranean region that is used in genomic research. It is a low-growing, clover-like plant 10–60 centimetres (3.9–23.6 in) tall with trifoliate leaves.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Barrel Medic?
Water Barrel Medic 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 Barrel Medic Native To?
What Is the Barrel Medic?
Barrel Medic (Medicago truncatula) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Medicago genus. Barrel Medic is native to the Mediterranean region that is used in genomic research. Barrel Medic is also known as Truncate Burr Clover, Dromedary Clover.
Barrel Medic displays an upright, spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Barrel Medic produces small clusters of yellow flowers in elongated spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Barrel Medic?
Medicago truncatula 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 Barrel Medic Need?
Barrel Medic thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Barrel Medic Prefer?
Medicago truncatula grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Barrel Medic prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Barrel Medic?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Barrel Medic to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Barrel Medic?
Feed Barrel Medic 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 Barrel Medic?
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 Barrel Medic?
Barrel Medic can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alfalfa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Barrel Medic Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Barrel Medic, 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 Barrel Medic?
Barrel Medic 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 Barrel Medic Need?
Barrel Medic grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Barrel Medic is native to the Mediterranean region that is used in genomic research. In cooler regions, grow Barrel Medic as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Barrel Medic 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.
Barrel Medic 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 truncatula Gaertn., family Fabaceae (first published in Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 150 (1790)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Barrel Medic, 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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