Melilotus alba White melilot (Leguminosae)

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Melilotus alba
White melilot
(1 Page of 5)

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].

Edible Uses: Leaves and seedpods - cooked as a 'bean soup'[8, 105, 172]. The pea-like seeds are used as a seasoning for bean and split-pea soups[183]. Young shoots - raw or cooked[8, 172]. Added to salads or used as a potherb[183]. Only fresh shoots should be used[62], the dried leaves contain coumarin[207]. Flowers - raw or cooked[172]. Used as a vanilla-like flavouring[177, 183]. The dried leaves are said to be used as a vanilla flavouring[172] but this is probably unwise, see notes at top of the page.

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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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