Infestus sweetclover (Melilotus infestus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Infestus sweetclover on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Infestus sweetclover
Melilotus infestus, also known as åkersteinkløver in some regions, is an annual or biennial sweet clover species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is characterized by its small yellow flowers clustered in axillary racemes and its bright green foliage, which can reach heights of up to 60 cm. It's an excellent choice for improving soil quality, especially in agricultural fields or as a cover crop, although it can also be an interesting addition to country-style or naturalistic gardens.
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun, although it tolerates some partial shade. It requires moderate watering, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, and prefers well-drained soils, even poor or calcareous ones. A common mistake to avoid is over-fertilization, as being a legume, it fixes its own nitrogen in the soil. It is quite hardy and low-maintenance.
How to save a dying Infestus sweetclover
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilting leaves, drooping stems.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade, ensure good drainage, moderate watering.
- What kills it
- Excessive moisture and waterlogging, compacted soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if humidity is corrected and substrate improved promptly.