White Sweetclover

Melilotus alba

White Sweetclover image

White sweetclover is a non-native plant that has become invasive and can outcompete native plants. It grows to a height of 2 to 8 feet. The plant flowers from May through September. It is used as a wildlife cover crop and is a major source of nectar in the production of honey. The leaves of white sweetclover have a vanilla-like fragrance when crushed. Its sweet odor is intensified by drying. In ancient times and during the Middle Ages, sweetclover was used in the treatment of wounds, inflammation, swollen joints and stomach ulcers.