Melilotus albus (Bokhara clover, honey clover, tree clover, sweet clover, white-flowered sweet clover, white sweet clover, white melilot), is a legume sometimes grown for forage. White sweet clover is a major source of nectar for an apiary. Its characteristic sweet odour, intensified by drying, is derived from coumarin.
Family:
Fabaceae (Pea)
Height:
2 to 8 feet
Leaves:
Alternate, with three small leaflets with fine teeth. Middle leaflet has a short stalk.
Flower:
Small white flowers crowded onto a 4 inch spike throughout the plant
Bloom time:
June-October
Nicknames:
White-flowered Sweet Clover, White Melilot, Field Melilot, Ribbed Melilot, Bokhara Clover, Honey Clover, Tree Clover, Cornilla Real
Habitat:
Prairies, disturbed areas
Can I plant this in my garden?
No, white sweet clover is an invasive weed that should be removed where found. It can be controlled by cutting the vegetation down before flowering to prevent seed production. Small plants can be pulled by hand or dug out.
References:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/white-sweet-clover
Family | Fabaceae |
---|---|
Habit | Forb |
Origin | introduced |
Flower | white |
Life cycle | annual, biennial, perennial |
Listing | invasive |
Bloom time | (6) June, (7) July, (8) August, (9) September, 10 - October |
*sites | Lake Phalen, Snail Lake |