Melilotus officinalis (weed)

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Melilotus officinalis (click on image to enlarge it)
Author(s): Otto Wilhelm Thomé
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Melilotus officinalis (weed) (L.) Pall. - (yellow sweetclover)

This is a common species of sweetclover, that grows up to 2 m in height. It is native to Asia and southern Europe. M. officinalis has been introduced into various other regions, and can become invasive in open areas and in crops like cereals. Outside its native range it suppresses native vegetation.

M. officinalis is also grown as a forage crop or for soil improvement. However, it can be toxic to animals if the hay is not properly cured. This is due the presence of low levels of coumarin in the plant, which is also extracted and used as a rodenticide.