Tall Melilot, Tall yellow sweetclover
Melilotus altissimus

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Melilotus altissimus is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Waste places and woods, avoiding acid soils.

Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves and seedpods - cooked as a 'bean soup'. Young shoots - cooked. Also used as a flavouring. Only eat the fresh plant, it becomes toxic if it is dried.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The dried plant is used as a moth repellent.

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 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.

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: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Biennial/Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Dried leaves can be toxic though the fresh leaves are quite safe. (This is possibly 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.)

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. macrorrhiza. Pers. M. officinalis. non (L.)Pall.