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Sourclover

Melilotus indicus, Fabaceae

Zones
4–10
Layer
Herbaceous
Lifespan
Annual
Growth
Fast

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerGround CoverMulch MakerPollinator Attractor

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Low (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

6 – 8

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Sticky CurrantRibes viscosissimum
Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat
Corn MarigoldChrysanthemum segetum
Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing
Hairy GumplantGrindelia hirsutula
Nitrogen FixationTrap Crop
Purple False BromeBrachypodium distachyon
Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing
Sessile-leaf Tick TrefoilDesmodium sessilifolium
Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat
Rough NigerGuizotia scabra
Nitrogen Fixation
Landra RadishRaphanus raphanistrum subsp. landra
Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat
Showy GoldeneyeHeliomeris multiflora
Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Antagonistic Plants

Alpine SweetvetchHedysarum alpinum

Sweet clover produces coumarin compounds that can inhibit other legumes

Pacific AsterSymphyotrichum chilense

Sweet clover can outcompete native asters through aggressive growth and coumarin compounds that inhibit other plants

Big Bend BluebonnetLupinus havardii

Different legume species can compete for rhizobial partners and root space

Round-head Prairie CloverDalea multiflora

Both nitrogen-fixing legumes may compete for nodulation sites and root space in semi-arid grasslands

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationSoil BuildingPollinator SupportGreen ManureErosion Control

Edible Parts

FlowersYoung Shoots

Medicinal Uses

Anti-Inflammatory

Common Questions

What zones does Sourclover grow in?

Sourclover grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 10.

Is Sourclover a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Sourclover is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Sourclover?

Good companions for Sourclover include Sticky Currant, Corn Marigold, Hairy Gumplant, Purple False Brome, Sessile-leaf Tick Trefoil.

Design guilds with Sourclover and see companion relationships visually.

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