Common names: yellow sweet clover

Scientific names: Melilotus officinalis

Seasons of significant use: spring, summer, fall (for Melilotus spp. complex)

Characteristics: Introduced, annual or biennial, cool season forb to 6.5 feet. Stem erect, branched; leaves alternate, pinnately trifoliolate compound; leaflets 3, slightly toothed; inflorescence a raceme with 30-70 flowers; flowers yellow; fruit is a pod, usually 1-seeded, ovoid. Flowers May-October.

Plant community type: Open areas. Often in ditches, along roadsides, and other areas of moderate soil disturbance, etc.

Comments: Sometimes established for livestock forage. Almost impossible to distinguish from white sweet clover M. albus in field except by color of flowers.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family