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].

Medicinal Information: The whole herb, harvested when in flower, is aromatic, carminative and emollient[4]. It was at one time widely esteemed as a medicinal herb, though it has fallen from favour in recent times[4]. The dried leaves contain coumarin, this can be used as an anticlotting agent for the blood[207]. The dried flowering plant has been used in ointments for external ulcers[222].

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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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