plant

Sweet clover

Melilotus officinalis

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) — a plant, for Full sun, Low water. Companions: Corn Maize, Wheat.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Waterlow to medium

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh
Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence typically occurs after the last spring frost when soil temperatures consistently reach 5°C.
floweringFlowering is initiated by lengthening photoperiods and warm air temperatures, usually starting in late spring to early summer.
fruitingFruiting follows flowering, with seed pods developing over several weeks.
senescenceSenescence begins with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths, leading to plant dieback.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moderately drained
Nitrogen fixingYes
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatesnitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
Soil texturesandy, loamy, clay
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceHigh

Propagation

Methodsseed
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationrequires scarification or cold stratification
Self-seedingAggressive

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, beneficial insects