Contents
Description
Melilotus Altissimus, commonly known as tall sweetclover, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia but has become naturalized in many parts of North America. The plant has a strong sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other pollinators. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces yellow flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Melilotus |
Appearance
The tall sweetclover plant can grow up to 6 feet tall with a spread of about 3 feet. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate, and oval-shaped, with serrated edges. The plant produces yellow flowers arranged in a spike-like cluster. The flowers have a strong sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a pod that contains two seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist.Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but adding compost or organic matter to the soil can improve its growth.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The tall sweetclover plant is susceptible to aphids and spider mites. It can also be affected by root rot if the soil is consistently moist. However, the plant is generally considered to be disease-resistant.
Habitat
The tall sweetclover plant is native to Europe and Asia but has become naturalized in many parts of North America, including the United States and Canada. The plant can be found in meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the tall sweetclover plant invasive?
A: Yes, the plant can be invasive in some areas.Q: Can the tall sweetclover plant be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, the plant has been used for its medicinal properties, including as a diuretic and to treat coughs and congestion.Q: Can the tall sweetclover plant be used as a forage crop?
A: Yes, the plant is commonly used as a forage crop for livestock.Q: Is the tall sweetclover plant toxic to animals?
A: No, the plant is not considered toxic to animals.
Related Plants
- Melilotus Albus
- Melilotus Officinalis
- Melilotus Indica
- Melilotus Suaveolens
References
- Bonanno, G., & Giambalvo, D. (2010). Melilotus species as potential forage crops in Mediterranean environments. Italian Journal of Agronomy, 5(4), 261-266.
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Melilotus altissimus. Retrieved June 1, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=MEAL6
- Wagner Jr, W. L., Herbst, D. R., & Sohmer, S. H. (2012). Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai’i (Vol. 2). Univ of Hawaii Press.
