Melilotus albus

Native to Eurasia, this annual or biennial herb is commonly called white sweet-clover. It has become widely naturalized outside its native range, including in Africa, the Americas and Australia. Upright, branching stems can reach about five feet tall, sometimes considerably more. Numerous small white, pea-like flowers form slender elongated clusters arising from the leaf axils. It occurs in open disturbed habitats such as roadsides, fields, and vacant ground. It is invasive in parts of North America, including Alaska, where it spreads along roads and river systems. Photographed in Colombia.