Tall Melilot (Melilotus altissimus)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Melilotus altissimus is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring. — Leaves and seedpods - cooked as a 'bean soup'.; Young shoots - cooked.; Also used as a flavouring.; Only eat the fresh plant, it becomes toxic if it is dried.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste places and woods, avoiding acid soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)