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Photograph of Moon trefoil
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Moon trefoil

Medicago arborea

  • Layer 3 · Shrubs
  • Nitrogen fixer

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to the Mediterranean basin, Medicago arborea is a fast-growing, woody evergreen shrub that reaches between one and four metres in height. In a food forest, it plays a crucial role as a biological nitrogen fixer in the soil and an abundant source of biomass through regular pruning. Its prolonged flowering attracts diverse pollinators, and its foliage serves as protein-rich forage for animals in the shrub layer.

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Needs

  • Water: Low
  • Light: Full sun
  • Size: Hardy shrub up to 2 m
  • Mature diameter: 1.8 m
  • Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
  • Climates: Atlantic coast, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

  1. January
  2. February — Planting
  3. March — Harvest — Planting
  4. April — Harvest
  5. May — Harvest
  6. June — Harvest
  7. July
  8. August
  9. September — Planting
  10. October — Planting
  11. November — Planting
  12. December
  • Harvest
  • Planting

Medicinal use: Rich in nutrients, it is mainly used as high-protein fodder.

Where to buy

Related plants

Other species in the same layer or with the same function.

See which trees the moon trefoil grows well with

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See the central trees

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