DESCRIPTIVE MANUAL 



187 



Fig. 106-A. Distribution of Yellow Sweet Clover. 



Extermination. — The seeds preserve their vitality for some time. 

 The weed is easily destroyed by cultivation. 



Sweet Clover (Melilotus alba Lam.). 



Description. — An erect annual or biennial 2-4 ft. high ; rather dis- 

 tant, compound leaves, leaflets obovate, oblong, obtuse, serrate, nar- 

 rowed at the base, truncate, emarginate or rounded at the apex; 

 flowers with white petals, small, fragrant; pod ovoid, reticulated 

 and smooth. 



Distribution. — Sweet clover is native to Europe and abundant in 

 all parts of the United States. It has been widely scattered by bee- 

 keepers who sowed it as a honey-bee plant. Abundant now along 

 highways, right of ways of railways; also in some fields; found in 

 every part of Iowa. 



Extermination. — The only way to exterminate this plant is to 

 prevent seed formation. This may be done by cutting the plants 

 underneath the ground. In fact the young plants are easily ex- 

 terminated in this way. The plants occur in the meadows and pas- 

 tures, coming largely from the weeds left growing along the road- 

 sides. Road overseers should see that these chance plants are re- 

 moved. According to a recent investigation of Prof. Ewart of Aus- 

 tralia some of the seeds retain their vitality for a long time, some- 

 times more than half a century. It is imperative, therefore, to pre- 

 vent the formation of seeds so as not to sow for a future generation 

 to eradicate. Sweet clover is used as a forage plant and considered 

 quite valuable. Mr. Coverdale of Maquoketa considers it a most 

 valuable plant. Mr. Westgate has recently brought together many 

 valuable points in its favor. 



