Culture
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.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Dalea candida, commonly called white prairie clover, is a Missouri native perennial that typically occurs in glades, rocky open woods and prairies throughout the state except for the far southeastern counties (Steyermark). Tiny white flowers in dense, cylindrical, elongated, cone-like heads (to 3” long) bloom in summer atop erect, slender stems rising 1-2’ tall. Flowers bloom bottom to top, forming a dense ruff that slowly moves up the flower head. Compound, odd-pinnate, dull green leaves with 5-7 narrow linear leaflets. This is a nitrogen-fixing plant that is an important component of midwestern prairie restorations. Formerly known as Petalostemon candidum. Native Americans used the roots for food and the leaves for teas.
Genus name honors 17-18th century English botanist, Samuel Dale.
Specific epithet comes from the Latin word candidus, meaning white, in reference to the flower color.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Rock gardens, border fronts, native plant gardens, wild gardens, prairies or naturalized areas.