Honey clover is a common name for a flowering plant that does not belong to the true clover genus, Trifolium. This plant is correctly known as sweet clover and is classified under the genus Melilotus, a group of legumes in the pea family, Fabaceae. The name Melilotus translates from Greek as “honey lotus,” reflecting its reputation as a productive source of nectar for honeybees. Sweet clover is globally recognized for the large volumes of nectar it yields, making it significant for apiculture and a major contributor to the world’s honey supply.
Identifying the Plant
The two most common and widespread species are white sweet clover (Melilotus albus) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis). Both species are biennials, completing their life cycle over two years. They grow roots and foliage in the first year, then flower, set seed, and die in the second. These sturdy plants frequently reach heights of four to five feet, distinguishing them from the low-growing true clovers found in lawns.
Sweet clover features alternate leaves divided into three serrated leaflets, a characteristic leaf structure of many legumes. The small, pea-like flowers are densely packed along tall, slender stalks, forming racemes that can be eight inches or more in length. M. albus produces white flowers, while M. officinalis produces yellow flowers, with the yellow species often blooming a couple of weeks earlier.
The plant is native to Eurasia but is now widely distributed across the globe, especially in North America, where it was introduced for agricultural purposes centuries ago. It is remarkably adaptable, often found thriving in disturbed soils, along roadsides, and in open fields. A distinct, pleasant vanilla-like aroma is released when the plant’s leaves are crushed due to the presence of coumarin.
Characteristics of Honey Clover Honey
The honey produced from sweet clover nectar is valued in the commercial market. This varietal is typically very light in color, ranging from water white to an extra light amber hue. The resulting honey is known for its mild, clean, and sweet flavor profile, often featuring subtle notes of cinnamon or vanilla that do not overpower other foods.
Sweet clover is a prolific nectar producer, making it a preferred forage crop for beekeepers seeking to maximize honey yields. The plant’s long bloom time, which generally runs from late spring through summer, provides a sustained and abundant source of sustenance for honeybee colonies. This floral source is a major component of what is often labeled as “clover honey” in stores.
Due to its specific sugar composition, which has a moderately high glucose-to-fructose ratio, pure sweet clover honey tends to crystallize relatively quickly. This natural process typically occurs within two to five months, depending on storage conditions and temperature. The resulting crystals are usually fine-grained, creating a smooth, creamy texture often used to produce creamed honey products.
Agricultural and Ecological Value
Beyond its use in apiculture, honey clover offers several benefits for soil health and livestock management. As a legume, the plant fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with specialized bacteria in its root nodules. This process naturally improves soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
The plant develops an extensive, strong taproot system that can penetrate deep into the subsoil layers. This deep rooting action helps to break up compacted soil, improves water infiltration, and enhances overall soil structure. For these reasons, sweet clover is frequently utilized as a green manure crop, plowed back into the soil to add organic matter.
Sweet clover is also grown as a forage crop for livestock, especially in its first year when the vegetative growth is most palatable. However, its use as hay requires careful management because of the coumarin content. If the harvested hay becomes moldy or spoils, the coumarin converts into dicoumarol, a potent anticoagulant that can cause a severe hemorrhaging disease in cattle and other livestock if consumed.