Melilotus indica Annual yellow sweetclover (Leguminosae)

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Melilotus indica
Annual yellow sweetclover
(1 Page of 5)

The Melilotus indica plant species is found in Europe - Mediterranean to E. Asia. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Annual yellow sweetclover.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Melilotus indica
Common Name:  Annual yellow sweetclover
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  (L.)All.

Known Hazards:  The dried leaves can be toxic, though the fresh leaves are quite safe[76, 218]. This is due to the presence of coumarin, the substance that gives some dried plants the smell of new mown hay. If taken internally it can prevent the blood from clotting.

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Fields and waste places in S. England and Wales[17].

Cultivation Notes: Dislikes shade. This species is often cultivated as a fodder crop and cultivars low in coumarin have been developed[218]. 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]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

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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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