Key identifying traits
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Plant stems grow erect up to 6’ tall
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Leaves are trifoliate (groups of 3)
and strongly resemble alfalfa
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Flowers are small and yellow to
white
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Flowers grow along the end of each
stem
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Seed pods contain 1 or 2 seeds
Biology and ecology
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An annual, winter annual, or
biennial plant reproducing by seeds
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Native to Europe & Asia and now
commonly found along road sides and waste areas in U.S.
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One of the first plants to appear on
a disturbed site
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It is a plant favored by honey
producers but it is known to cause bloating in cattle
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It has been used for soil
stabilization and bird habitat but is not recommended due to its
aggressive nature
Control
Prevention –
Learn to identify plants; start monitoring early in the season
Biological –
No known biological control in our area
Cultural –
Plant competitive grass or other cover crops
Mechanical –
Mowing before seed is produced will help but will not effectively kill
existing plants. Many internet sites claim prescribed burning is good
control
Chemical –the
PNW Weed Management handbook does not have it listed as a problem
weed but other sources list mixtures with either triclopyr, dicamba or
clopyralid will work on sweet clover |
