Melilotus albus
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusMelilotus
Zone3
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Melilotus albus, commonly known as white sweet clover, is an annual plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been widely naturalized in North America. The plant is known for its sweet-smelling white flowers and is often found in fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it can improve soil fertility.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Medicago Alba
Trifolium Album
Trifolium Vulgare
White Sweet Clover
Melilotus alba
Melilotus albus f. albus
Melilotus albus var. annua
Melilotus angulatus
Melilotus argutus
Melilotus giganteus
Melilotus kotschyi
Melilotus leucanthus
Melilotus melanospermus
Melilotus rugulosus
Melilotus strictus
Melilotus tenellus
Melilotus urbani
Melilotus vulgaris
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
White sweet clover thrives in full sun and prefers moderate temperatures. It is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. The plant can tolerate a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate conditions. It is best grown outdoors where it can receive ample sunlight.Soil
Melilotus albus prefers well-drained loamy soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Good drainage is essential for the plant's health.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10 can be applied to support growth. Fertilize the plant once at the beginning of the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
As an annual plant, Melilotus albus does not require repotting. It completes its life cycle within one growing season, so repotting is not necessary.Propagation
White sweet clover is easily propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the soil in early spring after the last frost. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within 10-14 days.Pruning
Pruning is not required for Melilotus albus. However, you can trim back the plant if it becomes too tall or leggy. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if desired.Toxicity
Melilotus albus contains coumarin, which can be toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities. The plant is generally not toxic to humans or pets, but it is best to avoid ingestion.Additional
White sweet clover is beneficial for soil health due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities. It can be used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility and structure. Additionally, the plant attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to gardens and natural areas.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
