Annual yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus)

Also known as: King island clover, Hexham scent, Common melilot, Bokhara clover, Sour clover, Indian sweet clover

Annual yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indicus) is a herbaceous plant native to Asia, Europe, and northern Africa. Typically, it reaches a height of 10 to 50 cm. Known for its nitrogen-fixing ability, it is often utilized to enhance soil fertility. While it has become invasive in the United States, it remains a valuable nectar source for bees.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Annual yellow sweet clover

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm to 50 cm

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Images of Annual yellow sweet clover

Quickly Identify Annual yellow sweet clover

Melilotus indicus can be identified by its trifoliate leaves and small yellow flowers arranged in elongated racemes. The plant emits a sweet, hay-like fragrance.

Scientific Classification of Annual yellow sweet clover

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Melilots

Species

Annual yellow sweet clover

Planting and Growing of Annual yellow sweet clover

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Annual yellow sweet clover?

Melilotus indicus prefers a balanced watering approach. It needs approximately 500 ml of water per session, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Always check the topsoil; it should be dry to the touch before the next watering.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Annual yellow sweet clover? ›

What should I do if my Annual yellow sweet clover is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Annual yellow sweet clover? ›

How to save an overwatered Annual yellow sweet clover? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Annual yellow sweet clover?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Melilotus indicus flourishes with full to partial sun exposure, ideally 6-8 hours daily. Ample light enhances photosynthesis, ensuring luscious growth, vibrant foliage, and abundant blooming.

Preferred Lighting Environment ›

Solutions for Ideal Lighting ›

Benefits of Ideal Lighting ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Annual yellow sweet clover?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 77℉

Melilotus indicus thrives best in an ideal temperature range of 60°F to 77°F. This range ensures optimal enzyme function, photosynthesis, and overall metabolic processes necessary for healthy growth and development. Proper temperature within this range contributes to vigorous foliage and better blooming.

What Soil is Best for Annual yellow sweet clover?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Melilotus indicus thrives in nutrient-rich loam soil that provides excellent water retention and drainage. This ensures the plant receives all necessary nutrients without waterlogging, promoting healthy growth. This plant prefers soil that drains well to prevent root rot. Sandy soils or loam mixed with sand can provide the required aeration, preventing excess moisture retention. Melilotus indicus can tolerate slight acidity to neutral soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5. This range optimizes nutrient availability, promoting optimal plant health and vigor.

How to Fertilize Annual yellow sweet clover?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Melilotus indicus, aim for a balanced application that meets its moderate nutritional needs. Use approximately 1.5 teaspoons of balanced all-purpose fertilizer per plant during the growing season to ensure healthy development and flowering.

How to Prune Annual yellow sweet clover?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by locating and cutting back any damaged, diseased, or weak stems to the base. This helps the plant conserve energy and focus on healthier growth. To encourage a bushier appearance, trim the top growth by one-third. This action signals the plant to grow more side branches, enhancing its overall form. Prune strategically to shape the plant as desired, keeping in mind its natural form. This typically involves trimming to maintain a fuller and rounded shape.

How to Propagate Annual yellow sweet clover plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer, Late summer

Start by collecting seeds from a healthy Melilotus indicus plant. Clean and dry the seeds thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dark place until planting time.

Choose a well-draining soil mix and fill your seed trays or pots. Ensure the soil is moist but not wet to avoid root rot, which can hinder seed and cutting growth.

For seed propagation, scatter seeds over the soil surface and cover lightly with soil. For cuttings, insert the cutting into the soil, ensuring nodes are in contact with the soil for effective rooting.

How to Repot Annual yellow sweet clover plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2 years

Watch for signs like roots appearing through drainage holes, soil compacting, or the plant appearing top-heavy. These indicate it's time to repot Melilotus indicus, usually in spring or autumn.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the previous one, with ample drainage holes. This ensures room for growth and prevents waterlogging, promoting healthy root development.

Opt for a well-draining loam soil, enriched with organic matter. This type of soil maintains moisture while allowing for proper airflow, which benefits root health and nutrient uptake.

Toxicity of Annual yellow sweet clover

Is Annual yellow sweet clover toxic to cat?

The annual yellow sweet clover exhibits a moderate level of toxicity to felines, with the threat arising when various parts of the plant are ingested. All components of the annual yellow sweet clover are toxic, indicating that cats face potential hazards no matter which part they consume. Exposure to this plant may result in observable signs of physical distress in affected cats. Therefore, it is crucial for cat owners to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and to seek prompt veterinary assistance if they suspect their cat has ingested any portion of the annual yellow sweet clover, as swift intervention is vital.

Is Annual yellow sweet clover toxic to dog?

The annual yellow sweet clover plant species presents a moderate level of toxicity risk for dogs. Should dogs consume any portion of this plant, they face the possibility of poisoning due to its inherently toxic properties. The primary means by which dogs may experience poisoning is by ingesting parts of the plant, which could happen if they venture into areas where annual yellow sweet clover flourishes or if any remnants of the plant find their way into their surroundings. After ingesting annual yellow sweet clover, dogs may exhibit symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea. More alarming signs may also manifest, such as lethargy, respiratory difficulties, and irregular heart rates. It is imperative for dog owners to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and restrict their access to this plant. If a dog does consume annual yellow sweet clover, it is essential to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to ensure the best possible outcome for the animal in distress.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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