Sweet Trefoil, Blue fenugreek

Trigonella caerulea

Physical Characteristics

Trigonella caerulea is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean? The origin of this plant is obscure[50]

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Young seedlings are eaten with oil and salt[183]. The leaves and young plants are eaten cooked[105, 177, 179]. The dried powdered leaves and flowers are used as a flavouring and colouring for bread etc[183]. They are also used as a condiment in soups and potato dishes[183]. A decoction of the leaves is used as an aromatic tea and as a flavouring for China tea[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known