Sweetclover
Melilotus suaveolens
- Native to:
- China, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Laos, Nepal, Russia, Vietnam
dschigel (www.inaturalist.org),Natalya (www.inaturalist.org),Ina (www.inaturalist.org),Joseph Breck & Sons; New England Agricultural Warehouse; Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection,dschigel (www.inaturalist.org),Chilton, S. J. P. (St. John Poindexter), 1909- Henson, L Johnson, Helen W., 1910-,Newberry, J. S. (John Strong), 1822-1892,Botanicheskiĭ sad (Akademi︠︡ia nauk SSSR : Leningrad, R.S.F.S.R) Fischer, F. E. L Meyer, C. A. (Charles Aloysius), 1909- n 80032575 Trautvetter, E. R,Engelmann, George,,[Mann, Horace] 1844-1868 Mann, Benjamin Pickman. 1848-1926,Sollers, Basil,National Plant Materials Center (U.S.)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Melilotus
- Species:
- Melilotus suaveolens
- USDA Symbol:
- MESU12
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Host Plant for Caterpillars
corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Scarification improves germination; seeds have hard coat typical of legumes.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI