Status:
valid
Authors:
(L.) Pall.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1776
Citation Micro:
Reise Russ. Reich.3: 537 (1776)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000185392
Common Names
- Polish Melilot
- Polish Sweet Clover
- Polish Clover
Synonyms
- Melilotus caspius Gruner [valid]
- Melilotus caspicus Gruner [unknown]
- Trifolium polonica L. [unknown]
- Trifolium polonicum Willd. [unknown]
- Trifolium polonicus L. [unknown]
- Melilotus rariflorus Eichw. [valid]
- Melilotus polonica (L.) Pall. [unknown]
- Melilotus melilotus-polonicus Asch. & Graebn. [valid]
- Sertula polonica (L.) Kuntze [valid]
- Trigonella polonica (L.) Coulot & Rabaute [valid]
- Trifolium polonicum L. [unknown]
Description
Melilotus polonicus (also called Polish Melilot, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Europe and North Africa. It has a height of 10-50 cm and its leaves are pinnate and oblong. It prefers dry, sunny habitats such as grasslands, roadsides, and cultivated fields.
Uses & Benefits
Melilotus polonicus is used as a fodder crop, as a green manure crop, and as a cover crop. It is also used as a medicinal plant, as a food crop, and as an ornamental plant.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Melilotus polonicus are yellow and fragrant, and the seeds are small, dark brown and oblong. The seedlings are slender and have a light green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Melilotus polonicus is a hardy, drought-tolerant annual plant that can be grown from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Seeds should be sown in a sunny spot and kept moist until germination. The plant can also be propagated by cuttings taken from new growth.
Where to Find Melilotus polonicus
Melilotus polonicus is native to Europe and can be found in dry grasslands and open woodlands.
Melilotus polonicus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Melilotus polonicus?
Melilotus polonicus
Where is Melilotus polonicus native to?
Central and Eastern Europe
What type of soil does Melilotus polonicus prefer?
Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Species in the Melilotus genus
Melilotus altissimus,
Melilotus dentatus,
Melilotus indicus,
Melilotus infestus,
Melilotus italicus,
Melilotus macrocarpus,
Melilotus siculus,
Melilotus arenarius,
Melilotus neapolitanus,
Melilotus polonicus,
Melilotus serratifolius,
Melilotus speciosus,
Melilotus sulcatus,
Melilotus tauricus,
Melilotus wolgicus,
Melilotus hirsutus,
Melilotus albus,
Melilotus elegans,
Melilotus segetalis,
Melilotus suaveolens,
Melilotus bicolor,
Melilotus officinalis,
Melilotus schoenheitianus,
Melilotus gorkemii,
Melilotus melilotus-officinalis,
Melilotus officinalis,
Melilotus haussknechtianus,
Species in the Fabaceae family