Melilotus officinalis
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusMelilotus
Zone3
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Melilotus officinalis, commonly known as yellow sweet clover, is a member of the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been widely naturalized in North America. This plant can be either annual or biennial and is known for its sweet-smelling yellow flowers. It thrives in temperate climates and is often found in meadows, roadsides, and waste areas.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Sertula Arvensis
Sertula Bungeana
Sertula Pallida
Trifolium Mauritianum
Trifolium Palustre
Trifolium Petitpierreanum
Trifolium Vulgare
Yellow Sweet Clover
Brachylobus officinalis
Melilotus armenus
Melilotus bungeanus
Melilotus citrinus
Melilotus diffusus
Melilotus expansus
Melilotus flavus
Melilotus kochianus
Melilotus longepedicellatus
Melilotus lutescens
Melilotus luteus
Melilotus luxurians
Melilotus macrorhizus
Melilotus macrospermus
Melilotus mauritanicus
Melilotus maximus
Melilotus melilotus-officinalis
Melilotus montanus
Melilotus nebrodensis
Melilotus officinalis var. maximus
Melilotus paluster
Melilotus palustris
Melilotus petitpierrianus
Melilotus rugosus
Melilotus virescens
Sertula officinalis
Trifolium melilotus-mauritanica
Trifolium melilotus-officinarum
Trigonella officinalis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
GDD1,800
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Yellow sweet clover prefers full sun and moderate temperatures. It is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate dry conditions once established. Regular watering is needed during the initial growth stage. The plant can handle a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity.Harvest
Melilotus officinalis, commonly known as yellow sweet clover, is typically harvested when it reaches full bloom, which is usually in late spring to early summer. To harvest, cut the plant at the base, leaving a few inches of stem above the ground to allow for regrowth if it is a perennial variety. The harvested plants should be dried in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to preserve their quality. Ensure that the plants are completely dry before storing to prevent mold and spoilage.Soil
Melilotus officinalis prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives best in soils that are not too compacted. Ensure the soil dries out almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10 is recommended. Fertilize the plant once at the beginning of the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for this plant as it is often grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, repotting should be done annually in the spring. Choose a pot that allows for adequate drainage and use a well-draining soil mix.Propagation
Yellow sweet clover can be propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in early spring directly into the soil. Ensure the soil is well-draining and keep it moist until the seeds germinate. Thin the seedlings to allow enough space for growth.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for Melilotus officinalis to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Prune back the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and promote new growth.Toxicity
Melilotus officinalis is generally not toxic to pets or humans. However, it contains coumarin, which can be toxic in large quantities if ingested. It is advisable to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children.Additional
Yellow sweet clover is known for its ability to improve soil fertility due to its nitrogen-fixing properties. It is often used as a cover crop to enrich the soil. Additionally, the plant attracts pollinators such as bees, making it beneficial for the ecosystem.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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