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].

General Uses: An oil obtained from the seed is used in paints, varnishes etc[114]. The dried leaves smell of new-mown hay and are used as an insect repellent[172]. The dried leaves contain a substance called coumarin, this is an anti-clotting agent and has been used as a basis of the rat killer 'warfarin'[207]. The plant is a good green manure crop[20, 87, 172]. It can be sown in the autumn and overwintered or sown from spring to mid summer. It can be cut several times for compost material before being finally incorporated into the soil[87]. Fast growing, it produces a high bulk of organic material and also fixes a large quantity of atmospheric nitrogen[87]. It can also be grown under soft and top fruit, when it will expel mice[82].

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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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