Contents
Description
Melilotus Albus, commonly known as White Sweet Clover, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in North America, where it is considered an invasive species. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and has a strong, sweet smell. The leaves are trifoliate, and the flowers are white, small, and fragrant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Melilotus |
Appearance
The plant has a strong, sweet smell and can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet measuring about 2-3 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, with each flower measuring about 2-3 mm in diameter. The plant produces seed pods that are about 2-3 mm long and contain one or two seeds each.
Care Guide
Melilotus Albus is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant does not require much water and can tolerate drought conditions.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization and can grow in poor soil conditions.
- Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Melilotus Albus is not usually prone to pests or diseases. However, it can attract aphids, which can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be controlled by using a fungicide.
Habitat
Melilotus Albus is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in North America, where it is considered an invasive species. It grows in a variety of habitats, including roadsides, fields, and waste areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Melilotus Albus toxic to humans or animals?
A: Melilotus Albus is not toxic to humans or animals. However, it can cause bloating or digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.Q: Can Melilotus Albus be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Melilotus Albus has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, wounds, and inflammation.Q: Does Melilotus Albus have any cultural significance?
A: Yes, Melilotus Albus is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity in some cultures.Q: Can Melilotus Albus be used in landscaping?
A: Yes, Melilotus Albus can be used in landscaping as a ground cover or in wildflower gardens.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Melilotus Albus:
- Melilotus officinalis
- Melilotus indicus
- Melilotus suaveolens
References
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MEAL7
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/melalb/all.html
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286985
