Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Medicago

Species:

Medicago ruthenica

USDA Symbol:

MERU6

Growth Characteristics

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, livestock forage

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from deep taproot following fire; adapted to steppe and grassland fire regimes.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to steppe regions, prefers open sunny areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

7–21 days

Notes:

Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Seeds may require inoculation with appropriate Rhizobium for optimal nitrogen fixation.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI