White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida)

White Prairie Clover

(Dalea candida)

USDA NRCS Montana

Public Domain Mark 1.0

Image By: USDA NRCS Montana

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Dalea candida, commonly known as White Prairie Clover, is a perennial herb that is native to prairies and open woodlands across central North America. It typically grows erect to a height of around 1 meter (3 ft 3 in), with a deep taproot that can extend up to 5 or 6 feet (1.5 or 1.8 m) into the soil. This species is well-adapted to the dry conditions of its native habitat and plays a role in prairie ecology by supporting pollinators and fixing nitrogen in the soil. The inflorescence is a dense cylindrical spike of flowers at the tip of each stem or stem branch, with pointed green calyces of sepals. The lower flowers bear corollas of white petals, while the higher ones bloom later, providing a prolonged flowering period. The fruit is a green oval legume pod containing one seed.

White Prairie Clover is valued for its ability to attract pollinators and improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, a process facilitated by its classification as a "high" nitrogen fixer by the USDA. Its showy white flowers make it a favorite in native plant gardens, prairie restorations, and wildflower meadows. It thrives in full sun and is tolerant of various soil types, although it prefers those with slow to medium drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners may use it as a ground cover or in border plantings for its ecological benefits and aesthetic appeal.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to prairies and open woodlands across central North America

Other Names

Common Names: White Tassel-Flower, White Prairie-Clover, Slender White Prairie-Clover, White Tasselflower, Dalée Blanche, Slender White Prairieclover, White Prairieclover

Scientific Names: , Dalea candida, Petalostemon candidus, Petalostemon occidentale, Petalostemon candidum var. oligophyllus, Kuhnistera candida, Kuhnistera occidentalis, Petalostemon gracilis, Psoralea candida, Petalostemon candidum var. occidentalis

GBIF Accepted Name: Dalea candida Willd.