Melilotus albus – White sweet clover

It can be found in disturbed soil that receives full sun.

White sweet clover, also known as melilot, can be identified by its compound leaves divided into three leaflets and clusters of small white flowers.

 

Young leaves can be used in a salad before the plant flowers but have a slightly bitter flavor. The dried leaves and flowers have a mild vanilla flavor that can be used as a flavoring or turned into tea. Seeds are also used as a flavoring.

Sweet clover should only be used fresh or completely dried. Moldy sweet clover produces coumarin, which can cause severe internal bleeding.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.