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Melilotus officinalis
Yellow Sweetclover
Melilotus officinalis
Melilotus officinalis, or yellow sweet clover, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb in the Fabaceae (legume) family. It has a sweet, coumarin-like scent, particularly noticeable when the plant is dried. It features trifoliate leaves and produces long, slender racemes of small, yellow flowers. It's known for its nitrogen-fixing properties, beneficial to soil health. The plant can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to 3 feet in height.
CategoryDetails
Medicinal UsageMedicinal Usage
Duration to maturity6 months to harvest
Estimated Plant Lifespan2 years lifespan
ToxicityToxic to: Horses
Sun Requirements6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun)
Pollination

Method: Insect pollination

Watering Requirements

Method: Top watering

Frequency: Water regularly, especially during dry periods.

Notes: Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Humidity Requirements

Level: Moderate

Care InstructionsSweet clover prefers well-drained soil. Regular weeding helps to prevent competition from other plants.
Temperature Range

Min: -10°C

Max: 35°C

Alternative NamesTrifolium melilotus-officinalis, Ribbed Melilot, Melilotus luteus, Brachylobus officinalis, Medicago officinalis, Sertula maior, Sertula officinalis, Trifolium officinale, Trigonella officinalis
Allium sativum
Garlic
Allium sativum
Garlic's pungent aroma can deter some common pests that might affect sweet clover, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
Daucus carota
wild carrot
Daucus carota
Both plants benefit from well-drained soil, and their different root systems don't compete significantly. Sweet clover's nitrogen fixation improves soil fertility for carrots.
Sorghum bicolor
Sorghums
Sorghum bicolor

Sorghum is a tall-growing plant that can outcompete sweet clover for sunlight, water, and nutrients, especially in less fertile soils.

Sweetclover weevil

The sweetclover weevil (Sitona cylindricollis) larvae feed on the roots, while adults feed on the leaves, causing stunted growth and wilting. Symptoms include notches on leaf edges and overall reduced plant vigor.

Aphids

Various aphid species can infest sweet clover, sucking sap from leaves and stems. This leads to yellowing, leaf curling, and reduced growth. Honeydew excretion can also lead to sooty mold.

Steps:

    • Sow seeds directly into the ground in spring or fall.
    • Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds.
    • Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart.
    • Water gently after planting.
    • Thin seedlings to appropriate spacing once they germinate.

Neem oil

Effective against aphids and other sap-sucking insects.

Bacillus thuringiensis

A biological control agent effective against some insect larvae.