Yellow Sweetclover
Melilotus officinalis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Yellow Sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Yellow Sweetclover
Yellow Sweetclover is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaYellow 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.
- 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.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Yellow Sweetclover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz