Melilotus indicus aka Small Melilot

Melilotus indicus is an annual in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its common names include annual yellow sweetclover and small melilot. Its native range spans the Mediterranean region and central Asia. It also extends into the Indian subcontinent. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in fields, waste ground, roadsides, and river valleys. Other habitats include coastal sands and open, stony slopes.

The plant has upright stems that branch from the base. It reaches about 3.3 feet (1 metre) in height. Plants can spread to about 2 feet (0.6 metres). As an annual, it completes its life cycle within one year. PFAF lists its flowering season as June to October. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate the flowers. The supplied sources give no detailed account of leaves or fruit.

Grow this plant in full sun rather than shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils with good drainage. Neutral to mildly alkaline soil suits it. It can grow in either dry or moist ground. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. Useful Tropical Plants gives a more cautious account of cold tolerance. It reports dormant survival near 28°F (−2°C). Young growth may suffer severe damage near 30°F (−1°C). These accounts differ, so the zone range needs caution.

Growers use this species for fodder and green manure. Root nodules house bacteria that fix nitrogen from the air. This supports the plant and can benefit nearby plants. Leaving roots to decay helps return nitrogen to the soil. Sow seed where it will grow, from spring through midsummer. A 12-hour soak in warm water can help germination. Seeds usually sprout within two weeks. Leaves have also served as an insect repellent. Useful Tropical Plants warns that plants can escape cultivation and become weeds.

PFAF records cooked leaves as food, with a low edibility rating. That record does not mean all plant material is safe. The plant contains coumarin, and dried material can be toxic. Poor drying and fungal growth can increase the danger. Compounds formed during spoilage can interfere with blood clotting. The sources also record medicinal uses for seeds and whole plants. These include seed preparations for bowel complaints and poultices for swelling. Such records describe past uses, not proof of safe treatment.