Burclover
Medicago polymorpha
(Medicago hispida)
Photographed in a vacant lot in Phoenix, Maricopa Co., Arizona. 06 March 2008.
ANNUAL: Winter dormant Bermuda grass lawns often have dark green patches
of Burclover, particularly if there have been winter rains and no seeding for
winter rye-grass. This winter and spring weed can also be found in vacant lots
and around agricultural areas.
FRUIT: A small bean pod with one or a few seeds that coils and is beset with
hooked projections, i.e. it forms a bur. Mature pods might catch in socks or
cuffs.
FLOWERS: Bright yellow pea-flowers are small.
LEAVES: Leaves are triplet compound and resemble those of other clovers
and alfalfa (Medicago sativa).
RANGE: Frequent throughout urban and agriculture areas in the Sonoran
Desert in Arizona.
UNARMED: Slight prickles on bean pod.