White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida)

White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida)

White Prairie Clover's cylindrical flower spikes are made up of tiny white florets that bloom in rings from the bottom up, each perched above airy, fern-like foliage. The effect is light and almost delicate, especially when viewed against bolder summer blooms. While not the flashiest plant in the mix, White Prairie Clover adds depth and movement to your planting, keeping everything grounded and connected while not stealing the show.

A member of the legume family, this species improves soil health by fixing nitrogen, which benefits surrounding plants in the long term. In southeastern Wisconsin, it performs well in dry, sunny sites, including gravelly or sandy soils. It thrives in open exposures and lean ground where flashier plants might struggle, making it a great option for tough spots that still deserve thoughtful design.

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained soils; tolerant of poor, sandy, or rocky soil
Height: 1.5–3 feet
Spread: 1–2 feet
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: June through August

Wildlife Value
An excellent nectar and pollen source for native bees, including long-tongued species and specialist clover bees. Its foliage supports butterfly caterpillars such as the Dogface Sulphur and Southern Dogface. As a legume, it enriches the soil and supports soil microbial life.

Blooms Alongside:
Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)