MELILOTUS alba (Sweet Clover, White)

MELILOTUS alba (Sweet Clover, White) is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Sweet Clover is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant, meaning it lives for two years or more.

Sweet Clover forms a tall plant with an upright growth habit, reaching heights of 2 to 6 feet (60 to 180 cm). The plant has compound leaves with three leaflets that are green and toothed along the edges. The flowers are small, fragrant, and arranged in dense, elongated spikes. In the case of White Sweet Clover, the flowers are white or cream-colored.

Sweet Clover typically blooms in summer, generally between June and August. The blooming period may vary depending on the local climate and growing conditions. It is often used as a cover crop and a forage plant for livestock. The flower also attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, with its fragrant flowers.

Sweet Clover thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. Sweet Clover is known for its ability to grow in poor soils and areas with low fertility. It is also tolerant of drought conditions.

Sweet Clover, with its tall stature and fragrant white flowers, serves as a useful plant for improving soil fertility and attracting pollinators. It is a beneficial addition to agricultural landscapes and areas where nitrogen fixation and soil improvement are desired.

Caution: It's important to note that Sweet Clover contains coumarin, a compound that can be toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities. Certain varieties of Sweet Clover, including White Sweet Clover, have lower levels of coumarin and are less likely to cause toxicity.