sweet clover
Definition
Noun: * A type of leguminous plant: "Sweet clover" refers to an erect annual or biennial plant, belonging to the genus Melilotus. It is characterized by its sweet-smelling foliage and flowers, and is widely cultivated for forage (hay), as a cover crop to improve soil fertility, and for nectar.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The farmer planted sweet clover in the field to enrich the soil with nitrogen.
- Bees are highly attracted to the fragrant yellow flowers of the sweet clover.
- When dried properly, sweet clover makes excellent hay for livestock.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Context: In agricultural and botanical texts, "sweet clover" is often discussed for its dual role in soil improvement and as a forage crop. It is known for its deep taproot and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
- Potential Hazard: An advanced note is that improperly cured hay can contain dicoumarol, a substance that can cause bleeding disorders in cattle.
Variants and Related Words
- Melilot (noun): Another common name for plants of the genus , synonymous with sweet clover.
- Yellow sweet clover (): A specific, common species with yellow flowers.
- White sweet clover (): A specific, common species with white flowers.
Synonyms
- Melilotus (noun): The scientific genus name.
- Honey clover (noun): A less common name, referencing its value for honeybees.
Related Phrases / Terms
- Soil improvement crop: A category that includes .
- Nitrogen-fixing plant: A key characteristic of and other legumes.
- Forage legume: A description of its primary agricultural use.
Noun
- erect annual or biennial plant grown extensively especially for hay and soil improvement
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