Herb latin name: Melilotus elegans


Family: Leguminosae



Edible parts of Melilotus elegans:

Leaves - cooked. The leaves are used as a flavouring.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Grassland, especially by the sea.

Propagation of Melilotus elegans:

Seed - sow spring to mid-summer in situ. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks.

Cultivation of the herb:

Grassland, especially by the sea.

Medicinal use of Melilotus elegans:

None known

Known hazards of Melilotus elegans:

Although no reports have been seen for this species, the dried leaves of some members of this genus can be toxic though the fresh leaves are quite safe. (This is possibly due to the presence of coumarin, the substance that gives some dried plants the smell of new mown hay. If taken internally it can prevent the blood from clotting.)

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.