Sweet Clover, White

Melilotus alba

This introduced species has been traditionally used for soil stabilization and erosion control, but it has been shown to be highly attractive to bees and butterflies. It can be used as a low-cost component of pollinator conservation mixtures. Beekeepers utilize it for honey production because of its taste and high yields. It is also used by birds and small mammals as cover and food. Sweet clovers can be aggressive and may invade into adjacent plant communities. Cut back spent flowers before seeds are produced if sowing seed near native wildland areas.