Family: Fabaceae
Sweet-Clover
Merel R. Black
Key to Wisconsin Melilotus
- 1a.Corolla white M. albus
- 1b.Corolla yellow M. officinalis
Melilotus altissimus Thuill. was collected in the late 1800’s in Racine Co. but it seems to never have become established. It has yellow flowers like M. officinalis but differs in its pubescent ovary. Our two species are impossible to tell apart without flowers and care should be taken to record fresh flower color when collecting. When dried, M. officinalis corollas tend to fade but still retain a light-yellow hue. Both are aggressive annuals or biennials that have a negative impact on the prairies and other natural habitats they invade.
