Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Yellow Sweet-clover |
| Also Known As | Common Melilot |
| Scientific Name | Melilotus officinalis |
| MainColor | Yellow |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Native |
| Season Found | June (Jun - Sep) |
| ImageUrl | Melilotus-001 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | Abbots Langley |
| Country Found | UK |
| Last Updated | 03 September 2026 |
| Photo Quality | A |
Flower Details
Description
A tall, branching biennial with fragrant yellow flowers that resemble tiny pea blossoms. Often found on waste ground, roadsides, and old industrial sites, and valued for its nectar and soil-enriching properties.
Distribution
Native to Europe and Asia. Introduced to the UK and now naturalised in scattered areas.
Medicinal/Other Uses
Traditionally used for its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. Source of coumarin, used in pharmaceuticals.
Edibility
Not edible as a vegetable, though flowers provide nectar for bees.
Human Toxicity
Mildly_Toxic
When dried improperly, the plant can form dicoumarol, a compound that causes blood thinning and has been linked to poisoning in livestock.
Pet Toxicity
Potentially unsafe — ingestion, especially dried plant material, may cause bleeding disorders
Active Compounds
Coumarin, flavonoids, tannins.