Ontario Native
White Prairie Clover
Dalea candida
Flower colour
White
Bloom time
Mid summer through early fall
Height
12-36"
Light
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
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.