Common Name(s): Yellow Sweet Clover, yellow meliot

Scientific Name: Melilotus officinalis

Family:  Fabaceae

Bloom Period: Spring, Summer, Fall;  April – July

Habitat: Waste soils, abandoned areas, disturbed areas, sandy soils.

Description: Callyx – 5 united; Corolla – papilionaceous ; Stamens -10 ; Pistil -1 . Fruit: short thick wrinkled pod

General Info: This plant is an indicator of soil quality. It usually grows in areas that are disturbed, or recently left to fallow, and enrich the soil with nitrogen.

Commentary: Look for this flower in any abandoned lot. Or, check any area that not much grass is growing. Note the characteristic leaves. One of my favorite “weeds”…it can grow quite big. The leaves make a pleasant, if a tad-bit sour, tea. (Drink only small quantity!)  If you crush the leaves, a vanilla like perfume is released, which make this a great way to make potpourri from dried leaves

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