Medick, Alfalfa (Medicago)
Medick, Alfalfa Genus Details
Medick or alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a multi-branched, spreading, herbaceous plant that resembles clover, with alternate trifoliate leaves that are wider at the top than the base. Violet-blue flowers bloom during much of the summer. It is native to Europe, but is widely grown in the U.S. for hay and fodder. Black medic (M. lupulina), native to Europe and Asia, is similar to alfalfa in appearance, but has yellow flowers.
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Alfalfa (Medicago sativa).
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Alfalfa (Medicago sativa).
Medick, Alfalfa Allergy Info
This genus is frequently considered a cause of pollinosis, but this appears unlikely under field conditions since the pollen is not shed unless insects pollinate the flowers. Pollen sensitivity has occurred where people live adjacent to alfalfa fields or handle dried alfalfa hay where flowers shatter and release pollen to the atmosphere.
Medick, Alfalfa Pollen Description
Pollen grains of Medicago are prolate to subprolate; the amb triangular, rounded-triangular, or with convex sides and 3-colporoidate or 3-colporate. The sexine is punctitegillate.
The grains of Medicago are 25 x 40 micrometers in diameter.
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Medicago tupulina, single grain. Herb. MIN
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Medicago tupulina, multiple grains. Herb. MIN
Species in This Genus
Allergenicity Legend:
Mild Allergen |
Moderate Allergen |
Severe Allergen |
Allergy Test Available
Mild Allergen |
Moderate Allergen |
Severe Allergen |
Allergy Test Available
Medick, Alfalfa (Medicago) is a genus of the FABACEAE family.
This genus includes the following allergenic species:
This genus includes the following allergenic species:
