Melilotus altissimus
Thuill.
Tall Melilot, Tall yellow sweetclover
(c) Pete Woodall, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Pete Woodall
(c) Felix Riegel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Felix Riegel
(c) stefan_hageman, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by stefan_hageman
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves, Seedpod, Shoots
Condiment. Leaves and seedpods - cooked as a 'bean soup'. Young shoots - cooked. Also used as a flavouring. Only eat the fresh plant, it becomes toxic if it is dried.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
Europe. Naturalized in Britain.
EUROPE: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation (European part), Moldova, Ukraine, Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain, France
How to Identify
Melilotus altissimus is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
How to Grow
Dislikes shade. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation: Seed - sow spring to mid-summer in situ. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks.
Other Uses
Repellent. The dried plant is used as a moth repellent.
