How much sun does Yellow Sweetclover need?

Yellow Sweetclover grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Yellow Sweetclover bloom?

Yellow Sweetclover blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Yellow Sweetclover native?

Yellow Sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Yellow Sweetclover toxic to livestock?

Yellow Sweetclover is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

What pollinators does Yellow Sweetclover attract?

Yellow Sweetclover draws bees and beetles.

Is Yellow Sweetclover HOA-friendly?

Yellow Sweetclover takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Yellow Sweetclover

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Melilotus officinalis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Yellow Sweetclover is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a moderate level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Yellow sweetclover is a tall biennial wildflower that produces fragrant yellow flower spikes throughout the summer months. This drought-tolerant plant can reach up to 4 feet in height and attracts numerous beneficial insects during its blooming period.

In an HOA neighborhood

Yellow Sweetclover takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Appears weedy and unkempt to most homeowners
Can self-seed aggressively
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems

Wildlife value

This plant is particularly valuable for bees and beetles, providing nectar and pollen throughout the summer flowering season. The seeds also provide food for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellow Sweetclover need?: Yellow Sweetclover grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Yellow Sweetclover bloom?: Yellow Sweetclover blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Yellow Sweetclover native?: Yellow Sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Yellow Sweetclover toxic to livestock?: Yellow Sweetclover is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Yellow Sweetclover attract?: Yellow Sweetclover draws bees and beetles.
Is Yellow Sweetclover HOA-friendly?: Yellow Sweetclover takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Yellow Sweetclover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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