Melilotus officinalis
True Sweet Clover
Common names: Yellow Sweet Clover, Honey Clover, Bee Clover
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Description
Melilotus officinalis is a biennial butterfly‑flowering plant that produces bright yellow flower heads from June to August, attracting bees and bumblebees in large numbers. In home and community gardens it is often used as a green manure: its deep taproot loosens heavy soils, and as a legume it enriches the soil with nitrogen. When dried, the leaves release a characteristic wood‑mint scent of coumarin, which has traditionally been used in herbal pillows and teas for tired legs. However, improper storage or mold growth can convert coumarin into a blood‑thinning substance that is hazardous to animals and humans, so dried sweet clover should be kept dry, mold‑free, and out of reach of small children.
Care instructions
Sweet clover prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with well‑drained, even calcareous soil and tolerates drought well. Sow in a broad spread from mid‑March (week 12) to May; a second sowing in August is possible. Cover seeds lightly with soil. In the first year the plant mainly develops foliage; flowers appear in the second year. After flowering, the plant can be incorporated as green manure or cut back. Regular thinning promotes stronger individual plants and better airflow. Water only during extended dry periods; soggy soil is detrimental to the deep roots.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lime-loving, lean, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
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