Melilotus wolgicus
| Melilotus wolgicus | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 6.6-8.4 |
| Life Cycle: | Biennial |
| Height: | 4' |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Melilotus wolgicus
Propagation: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ[1]. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather[K]. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks.
Cultivation: We have almost no information on this plant and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country.
Dislikes shade.
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[2].
Range: Europe - S. Russia.
Habitat: Saline soils[3].
Edibility: Root[4][5][6]. No more details.
Pollinators: Bees
Habit: Biennial
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Although no reports have been seen for this species, the dried leaves of some members of this genus can be toxic though the fresh leaves are quite safe[7]. (This is possibly due to the presence of coumarin, the substance that gives some dried plants the
Also Known As: M. ruthenica. (Bieb.)Ser.
Links
References
- ↑ Woodward, L and P Burge. Green Manures. Elm Farm Research Centre, 1982.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Cooper, Marion. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. The Stationery Office, 1984.