Phenological characteristics and spring growth were investigated in 50 populations of Medicago orbicularis originating from different environments. Wide variations were found among populations. The populations which were early in flowering time were generally early also for other phenological characteristics such as time to first pods, pod maturity, plant senescence. Maturity grading and growth rate of the populations both resulted related with the environment of origin. Populations from high rainfall sites were late in flowering time, had a short flowering duration, and a better growth rate compared to early populations from high altitude, low rainfall environments, which, in turn, also showed a long flowering period.