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white prairie clover
Scientific Name: Dalea candida var. candida
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida)
White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida) is a native perennial wildflower admired for its delicate white flower spikes and ecological importance.
Common Names: White Prairie Clover, Prairie Clover, White Prairie-clover
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Dalea candida Michx. ex Willd.
- Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae), the bean family.
- Synonyms: Petalostemon candidum (Willd.) Michx., Petalostemon candidum
- Order: Fabales
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Central North America, ranging from Canada to Mexico.
- Occasionally found as an introduction outside its native range.
- Typically found in prairies, glades, and rocky areas.
- Prefers dry or well-drained soils, often sandy or gravely.
- Common in the Tallgrass Prairie region.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Perennial forb, typically growing to 1 to 3 feet in height (20-50 cm).
- Unbranched or sparsely branched in the upper half.
- Stems are slender, erect, and can be simple or sparingly branched.
- Leaves are alternate, compound, and odd-pinnate, with 3-5 small, gland-dotted leaflets.
- Flowers are tiny, white, and arranged in a cylindrical spike 1 to 3 inches long, with the lower flowers blooming first.
- Exhibits a tall, slender, showy upright clump habit.
Ecological Role
- Important component of midwestern prairie restorations.
- The seeds are utilized by a diversity of birds and other wildlife, including deer, antelope, and livestock.
- Attracts bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
- Contributes to soil health.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Seeds are a source of food for birds, deer, antelope, livestock, and small mammals.
- Attracts bees and other pollinators.
- Often found growing with P. purpureum (likely referring to Purple Prairie Clover).
Distinguishing Features
- Before flowering, White Prairie Clover can be distinguished from Purple Prairie Clover by its wider leaves.