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Biology 130

  

Melilotus spp.; sweet clover [Fabaceae]  Two very similar species of tall (1’-6') annual or biennial herbs.  Stems erect or sprawling and many-branched, giving the plant a bushy appearance.  Flowers white (M. alba), or yellow (M. officinalis), in 2-4" long axillary and terminal racemes.  Blooms abundantly from early summer until fall.  Leaves alternate, compound, with 3 finely toothed leaflets.  Both species are Eurasian natives that have been widely planted as forage and soil-building crops, but have become invasive in our area.  Ubiquitous along roadsides and other disturbed sites throughout much of the state.  [070]

   

 

 

 

 

 

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