Melilotus suaveolens Seeds | Sweet Clover
LATIN NAME: Melilotus suaveolens
COMMON NAME: Sweet Clover
Plant Profile
Melilotus suaveolens, better known as Sweet Clover, is an annual in the pea family, native to dry, open places of the eastern Asia and surrounding regions, while it is treasured for its long history of use. In pea family it is yellow-spiked, nitrogen-fixing clover of dry places, a plant that sweetens both air and the ground. At maturity it stands about One metre. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the pea family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Sweet clover holds a recognised place in soil-ecology papers of pea plants, and partnership between its roots and soil bacteria that draws nitrogen from air has kept ecologists interested for years. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Sweet Clover has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In dry garden and pasture, sweet clover is yellow-spiked plant that feeds the ground. Its long spikes of fragrant flowers feed bees, its small pods feed birds, and branching growth holds ground while roots feed the soil. It has served pasture and green manure, and it grows well in dry, open, well-drained ground. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Sweet clover’s coumarin scent perfumes hay and flavors traditional cheeses; its chemistry led to the discovery of the anticoagulant dicoumarol, and standardized melilotus extracts serve in European vein preparations.
Growing from Seed
Sweet Clover grows readily from seed. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Given the right start, Sweet Clover is a long-term garden companion. Being an annual, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
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