Coumarin, though responsible for the sweet smell of hay and newly mowed grass, has a bitter taste, and, as such, possibly acts as a means for the plant to discourage consumption by animals.

[4] Fungi (including Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Mucor[5]) can convert coumarin into dicoumarol, a toxic anticoagulant.

Melilotus, often used as a green manure, can be turned into the soil to increase its nitrogen and organic matter content.

[8] Melilotus siculus (messina) is notable for its high combined tolerance to salinity and water logging.

As of 2019, the "Neptune" variety has the highest tolerance and persistence under salinity among all pasture legumes, according to the Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.