How much sun does Little Bur-clover need?

Little Bur-clover grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Little Bur-clover bloom?

Little Bur-clover blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Little Bur-clover native?

Little Bur-clover (Medicago minima) is native to AL, AZ, CA, CT and 23 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Little Bur-clover HOA-friendly?

Little Bur-clover takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Little Bur-clover

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Medicago minima

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

3"–12" H × 4"–16" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AZ, CA, CT and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range

Little bur-clover is a small annual wildflower that forms low spreading patches in sunny areas. It produces tiny yellow flowers in spring and requires minimal water once established. The plant naturally reseeds itself and can fill in bare spots in informal garden areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Little Bur-clover takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Considered a weed by most homeowners
Produces spiny seed pods that stick to clothing
Can spread aggressively and look unkempt

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for native bees during its spring blooming period. As a member of the legume family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Little Bur-clover need?: Little Bur-clover grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Little Bur-clover bloom?: Little Bur-clover blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Little Bur-clover native?: Little Bur-clover (Medicago minima) is native to AL, AZ, CA, CT and 23 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Little Bur-clover attract?: Little Bur-clover draws bees.
Is Little Bur-clover HOA-friendly?: Little Bur-clover takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Little Bur-clover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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