White Sweetclover (Melilotus alba)
Pea family

EDRR Early Detection Rapid Response: If found, report immediately! Contact the Juneau Invasive Weed Coordinator at (907) 586-6878.

Plant Identification: A biennial legume. In the first season of growth, sweetclover produces vegetative shoots which may reach 12 inches. In its second season of growth, plants can grow up to 6 feet.Upright growth habit. Intolerant of shade. White and yellow sweetclover are very similar, differing primarily in flower color. Leaves toothed and compound with three leaflets.

Threat: Growing aggressively along the Matanuska, Nenana, and Stikine Rivers of Alaska. Sweetclover has been shown to negatively impact native vegetation in river habitats. White Sweetclover rapidly colonizes open waste areas and quickly spreads along riparian areas and riverbanks.

Found: One small infestation in Juneau near the intersection of Vanderbilt Rd. and Glacier Highway.

Distribution Map: White Sweetclover (Melilotus alba) (External Link to EDDMapS website)

Detailed information sheet (Link to .pdf at UAA ENRI Alaska Natural Heritage Program)
Non-Native Plants of Alaska: Pea Family Identification Guide (.pdf, 592kb), University of Alaska Anchorage Alaska Natural Heritage Program

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