Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Yellow sweetclover
MainColor	Yellow
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Native
Season	June
ImageUrl	Melilotus-001
Photographer	DP
Location
Human Toxicity	Mildly_Toxic

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

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.