Melilotus alba White melilot (Leguminosae)

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Melilotus alba
White melilot
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The Melilotus alba plant species is found in Europe to W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as White melilot.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Melilotus alba
Common Name:  White melilot
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  Medik.

Known Hazards:  Dried leaves can be toxic though the fresh leaves are quite safe[76]. This is due to the presence of coumarin, the substance that gives some dried plants the smell of new mown hay. Taken internally it can prevent the blood from clotting[207].

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Fields and waste places on dry, not acid soils[17].

Cultivation Notes: A fast growing plant[87], it dislikes shade. A good bee plant[4, 46]. The dried plant has a sweet smell of newly mown hay[245]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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