Annual Yellow Sweetclover
Melilotus indicus
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Melilotus indicus is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Fields and waste places in S. England and Wales.
Europe - Mediterranean to E. Asia. Naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The seed is made into a gruel and used in the treatment of bowel complaints and infantile diarrhoea. The plant is discutient, emollient, astringent, strongly laxative and narcotic. It is used externally as a poultice or plaster on swellings. The plant contains coumarin, which is an anticoagulant. The plant also contains dicumarol, which is a broad spectrum bactericide.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Anticoagulant: Removes blood clots.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
The leaves repel insects. They have been placed in beds to repel bedbugs.
Fodder: Food given to the animals (including plants cut and carried to them) rather than forage for themselves.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Dislikes shade. This species is often cultivated as a fodder crop and cultivars low in coumarin have been developed. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring to mid-summer in situ. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The dried leaves can be toxic, though the fresh leaves are quite safe. This is due to the presence of coumarin, the substance that gives some dried plants the smell of new mown hay. If taken internally it can prevent the blood from clotting.