| Description | A large growing, sweet smelling, non-native plant. Considered to be an invasive weed by many people. |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | (mel-i-LO-tus) |
| Plant Type | All Plants, Weeds |
| Sunlight | sun |
| Moisture | dry to moist |
| Soil & Site | road sides, open ditches, disturbed areas, waste places, almost anywhere |
| Flowers | white pea-like flowers are bore on 2-4" racemes, scent of vanilla, annual or biennial |
| Fruit | Seeds can lie in the ground for decades and than germinate when the soil is disturbed. |
| Leaves | small, toothless leaflets are elongated, 3 part and sweet smelling when dry. The scent comes from coumarin a fragrant organic compound. Physically the plant is airy and bush-like plants. |
| Dimensions | I have walked through patches of Sweet Clove that were way over my head ( I am 5'7"). Listed as 3-6' tall. |
| Propagation | seeds |
| Misc Facts | Imported from Europe to be used as hay. Now it has become invasive. Was dried and hung in the house to sweeten the rooms. Also used to flavor tobacco products. Milolotus is Greek for honey, referring to the plants scent. |
| Author's Notes | The vanilla smell becomes stronger if the plant is brushed. Weak breezes will carry the scent. I have noticed that this plant is most aggressive in disturbed sites. As the site succeeds to other vegetation the Sweet Clovers will tend to become less dominant. I have walked through patches of this plant that were way over my head. |
| Notes & Reference | #07- Newcomb's Wildflower Guide (Lawrence Newcomb), #14-Hedge maids and Fairy Candles (Jack Sanders), #41-Wildflowers of Wisconsin (Stan Tekiela), #49-The History and Folklore of North American Wildflowers (Timothy Coffey) |
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