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White Prairie Clover

Dalea candida

Last reviewed: June 2026

White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida) is a drought-tolerant native forb that blooms from June through August across the Great Plains and central United States. This white-flowered prairie plant attracts butterflies and bees.

White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida)
Photo: (c) Esben Kjaer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Esben Kjaer

White Prairie Clover is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 21 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

White Prairie Clover is a compact native perennial that forms neat clumps of delicate compound leaves. It produces distinctive white cylindrical flower spikes from June through August, creating an orderly display that works well in formal landscapes.

Growing White Prairie Clover

Grow White Prairie Clover in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

White Prairie Clover is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The flowers are excellent for native bees and butterflies, providing nectar throughout the summer months. This plant is particularly valuable for supporting local pollinator populations.

Common questions

When does White Prairie Clover bloom?
White Prairie Clover blooms from June through August, producing distinctive white cylindrical flower spikes.
What pollinators visit White Prairie Clover?
White Prairie Clover attracts butterflies and bees, making it valuable for pollinator gardens and prairie restorations.
Where is White Prairie Clover native?
White Prairie Clover is native across much of the central United States, from Montana and North Dakota south to Texas and east to Alabama, thriving in prairie and grassland habitats.
What growing conditions does White Prairie Clover prefer?
White Prairie Clover prefers full sun and tolerates dry conditions well, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance prairie gardens.
Is White Prairie Clover toxic to livestock?
White Prairie Clover is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
Is White Prairie Clover HOA-friendly?
White Prairie Clover is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does White Prairie Clover fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.