Honey clover

Melilotus albus, commonly known as white sweet clover or white melilot, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to Eurasia, it has become naturalized in various regions around the world. Here's a detailed description of Melilotus albus:

Description:

• Habitat: White sweet clover is often found in disturbed areas, meadows, along roadsides, and in fields. It prefers well-drained soils.

• Growth Form: This plant typically grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial, reaching heights of 30 to 100 cm. It has an erect and branching growth habit.

• Leaves: The leaves are alternate, compound, and trifoliate. Each leaflet is lance-shaped and serrated along the margins. The foliage has a pleasant fragrance.

• Flowers: The flowers are small and white, arranged in elongated, spike-like clusters at the tips of the stems. The inflorescence is often cylindrical.

• Blooming Period: White sweet clover blooms from late spring to summer.

• Fruits: The fruit is a small, pod-like structure containing seeds.

Identification Features:

1. White Flowers: The small white flowers are a characteristic feature, arranged in elongated spikes.

2. Trifoliate Leaves: The leaves are compound with three lance-shaped leaflets.

3. Fragrance: The foliage has a sweet fragrance, especially when crushed.

Ecological Role:

• White sweet clover is known for its nitrogen-fixing ability, contributing to soil fertility.

Cultural Uses:

• Historically, white sweet clover has been used as forage for livestock due to its palatability.

• Some people have used the dried leaves and flowers for making teas.

Caution:

• While white sweet clover has beneficial aspects, it can produce coumarin, a compound that, when present in large quantities, can lead to coumarin toxicity in livestock. Proper management practices are necessary to prevent this issue.