Small melilot

Value for beekeeping

Small melilot is an annual sweet clover of Mediterranean origin that has now spread to most warm and temperate regions. It is common on the edges of irrigated fields, between vines and in orchards, along roadsides and on saline coastal soils. Its flowers are much smaller and its racemes shorter than those of white and yellow sweet clover, so its value to honey bees remains moderate.

Flowering

In coastal regions it flowers from April to June; on irrigated land flowering can last longer. Visits peak in the warm, sunny midday hours.

Honey and pollen

It does not give a monofloral honey; it contributes to the mixed honeys of late spring. Its pollen contribution is limited.

Note for the beekeeper

Because the plant contains coumarin, it gives off a distinct hay-like smell when crushed or dried. In lowland and coastal apiaries it forms a small but steady source in the gap between the early spring flow and the summer plants; on its own it is no reason to migrate.