Melilotus elegans aka Elegant Sweetclover

Melilotus elegans, or elegant sweetclover, belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It grows as an annual and completes its life in one season. Its native range spans Madeira, the Mediterranean region, and parts of northeast Africa. Kew places its eastern reach in Djibouti. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in grassland, often near the sea. It also occurs on farmed and disturbed ground in African uplands.

This upright plant has branched stems. Reported heights range from about 1–5 feet [0.3–1.5 metres]. One database lists 3.3 feet [1 metre] as its height. PFAF gives an upper height of 5 feet [1.5 metres]. The sources do not establish a separate garden size range. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate the flowers. The supplied accounts give no firm flowering season or detailed fruit description.

Choose a sunny site, since this species does not tolerate shade. PFAF lists sandy, loamy, and clay soils as suitable. Good drainage matters across these soil types. Soil may be neutral or mildly alkaline. The plant accepts both dry and moist ground. Its range includes subtropical climates, but British hardiness remains uncertain. PFAF suggests trying it as a spring-sown annual in Britain. That suggestion does not confirm that it will thrive there.

Sow seeds where the plants will grow, from spring to midsummer. A 12-hour soak in warm water can help seeds sprout. Germination often takes about two weeks. Root nodules house bacteria that fix nitrogen from the air. The plant uses some of this nitrogen during growth. Nearby plants may also benefit from it. Leave roots in the soil after cutting down the stems. As roots decay, they release nitrogen into the ground. The herb also has a recorded use in hair pomades.

The leaves have recorded uses as cooked food and flavouring. PFAF gives the plant a low food-use rating. Neither account lists a known medicinal use. Food use does not mean all plant material is safe. Useful Tropical Plants reports that the plant contains coumarin. It warns that dried material can pose greater risks. Poor drying and fungal growth can produce compounds that hinder clotting. The account also notes possible liver and kidney harm. PFAF reports no known weed potential for this species.