White Prairie Clover

Dalea candida

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  • Common name
    White Prairie Clover
  • Latin name
    Dalea candida
  • Plant type
    perennial
  • Flower color
    White
  • Bloom time
    Mid summer through early fall
  • Height
    12-36"
  • Chelsea chop
    No
  • Light requirements
    Full sun but can tolerate light or partial shade.
  • Moisture
    Average to dry soils. It has a deep taproot (reaching up to 5 feet deep) that makes it exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.
  • Native to Ontario
    Yes
  • Locally native
    No
  • Deer resistant
    No
  • Ecological benefit
    As a legume, it has a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that allows it to "fix" atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This acts as a natural fertilizer for surrounding plants. Provides high-quality nectar and pollen for native bees, including specialist bees, as well as butterflies and wasps. Host for several butterfly species.
  • Notes
    deep taproot system acts as a natural anchor, making it exceptional for mitigating soil erosion on steep, dry slopes and fractured limestone terrains. Its high protein content makes it a valuable food source for both grazing mammals and birds like wild turkeys and grouse, who eat the seeds.
  • Picture
    White Prairie Clover