Tree lucerne (Medicago arborea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Tree lucerne on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Tree lucerne
Medicago arborea, commonly known as 'Tree Medick', is a perennial shrub belonging to the Fabaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by its silvery foliage and small yellow flowers that bloom in spring, offering an attractive contrast. It is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, xeriscaping, or as an ornamental plant in rockeries and dry slopes.
Native range
Mediterranean region, Southern Europe and North Africa.
Care tips
This species thrives in full sun and tolerates partial shade, though it will flower best with more light. It is very drought-tolerant once established, requiring infrequent but deep watering, especially during very dry summers. It prefers well-drained soils, even poor and calcareous ones, avoiding waterlogging which can be fatal. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Tree lucerne
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or premature leaf drop; slow or no growth; soft or dry stems.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If potted, consider repotting into a larger container with good substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot; lack of direct sunlight; poor or compacted soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the cause is corrected promptly. It's a hardy plant but sensitive to waterlogging.