Dalea candida aka White Prairie Clover

Dalea candida, or white prairie clover, is a perennial legume. Its native range runs from central and eastern-central Canada to northern Mexico. It grows in prairies, open woods, foothills, and disturbed ground. In Missouri, it also grows in rocky glades. This plant belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Bacteria linked to its roots fix nitrogen in the soil. This makes it useful in prairie restoration work.

Garden plants reach 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 m) tall. They spread about 0.75–1.5 feet (0.23–0.46 m) wide. Growth is slow, and the plant has an upright form. Pale green stems stay mostly unbranched near their base. A few branches may form higher up the stems. The dull green leaves grow in an alternate pattern. Each pinnate leaf has five to seven narrow leaflets. Small gland dots mark the leaflets beneath. The plant sheds its leaves at the end of growth.

Small white flowers crowd into long heads at stem tips. Each flower has five petals and five stamens. The flower heads can reach 0.25 feet (0.08 m) long. Flowers open at the base, then move up the head. This creates a ring of blooms around each head. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowers from May through August. Other sources place bloom in summer or mid-summer. One bloom period may last about a month. The dry fruits are legumes that stay closed when ripe. Wind helps spread the seeds.

Grow white prairie clover in full sun with good drainage. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It also grows across acidic, neutral, and alkaline soil conditions. Garden sources describe moderate moisture as suitable for growth. Its thick taproot helps it withstand drought and dry soil. That root can reach 5 feet (1.52 m) deep. Sources place it in USDA hardiness zones 3–8. It needs little upkeep and grows from seed. It can sow itself and form patches in suitable sites.

Use it in rock gardens, border fronts, or native gardens. It also suits meadows, mass plantings, and naturalized areas. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers, and birds also show interest. It serves as a host for the Dogface butterfly. Wildlife and livestock browse its protein-rich growth. Missouri Botanical Garden and NC State report no major pest or disease problems.