Clover, Yellow Sweet - Melilotus officinalis

(Yellow Melilot, Ribbed Melilot, Common Melilot)

Family: (Fabaceae) - Non-native

In rear of Visitor Center (N35D33'01.991 X W105D41'10.578)


Flowers first observed: 5/27/17


The Plant w/Flowers

The Flowers


Distribution

"Melilotus officinalis can be an annual or biennial plant, and is 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) high at maturity.[2] Leaves alternate on the stem and possess three leaflets. Yellow flowers bloom in spring and summer and produce fruit in pods typically containing one seed. Seeds can be viable for up to 30 years. Plants have large taproots and tend to grow in groups.[2]Plants have a characteristic sweet odor.[2]." (Wikipedia)

"All the western states (non-native); most common in the Rocky Mountain states. Open, disturbed ground." (The American Southwest)

Description

"The yellow (occasionally white), pea-like flowers melilotus officinalis form narrow, elongated clusters, branching off the upper ends of the long, grooved stems, which can reach heights of 8 feet or more. Each flower has a tubular, downwards-pointing corolla, supported by green bracts at the base, and which opens out when in full bloom. There may be several dozen in each cluster, covering up to 4 inches of the upper stem. The corolla is about a quarter of an inch in length, twice as long as the otherwise very similar melilotus indicus." (The American Southwest)


Ethnobotanical Uses

Food:

"Young leaves have a vanilla flavor and are used in cooking and tea. Herb is used to flavor Gruyere cheese. The nectar is Important for honey production in the US." (SEINet)

Medicine:

"Used medicinally to reduce postsurgical blood clots. Used in tea for soft tissue inflammations." (SEINet)


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