Description
Dalea candida, commonly called white prairie clover, is a Missouri native perennial legume. It typically occurs in glades, rocky open woods and prairies. Historically, people of the First Nations used the roots for food and the leaves for teas.
Wildlife notes
The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bumblebees, Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), plasterer bees, Sphecid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies, and small butterflies. Other insects feed on the seeds, foliage, and other parts of this plant. This plant is palatable and high in protein; therefore, it is readily consumed by mammalian herbivores of all kinds, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer. This can cause difficulties in establishing this plant in some areas. It is possible that small rodents may carry the seeds to their dens. Because of their high mortality rate, some of the seeds will remain uneaten, and thus are dispersed by these rodents.
Forage notes
White prairie clover is very palatable to livestock and is high in protein.
Landscaping notes
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Thick and deep taproot enables this plant to tolerate drought well. May be easily grown from seed and will self-seed in optimum growing conditions. Atrracts butterflies. Rock gardens, border fronts, native plant gardens, wild gardens, prairies or naturalized areas. This plant is slow to develop, but otherwise easy.
Restoration notes
Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas, openings in upland forests, and limestone glades. It is rarely observed in highly disturbed areas. Recovery from occasional fire is good.
This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Dry’n Rocky Mix
Videos About This Plant
To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.
Dry’n Rocky Mix video