How to identify White prairie clover (Dalea candida)

Photo By marykrieger , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify White prairie clover (Dalea candida)

White prairie clover showcases a charming display of small, white flowers, each delicately composed of five petals that cluster together to create a lush inflorescence. The foliage consists of compound leaves, divided into multiple tiny leaflets that line the stems, imparting a feathery texture. Typically, white prairie clover grows to a modest height of about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm), forming upright, bushy clumps that can spread around 2 feet (60 cm) wide. The overall appearance is graceful and airy, making it a subtle yet attractive addition to diverse garden settings.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify White prairie clover

Small, white flowers with 5 delicate petals in clustered inflorescence.

Compound leaves with feathery texture, divided into multiple tiny leaflets.

Erect, slender stem, unbranched at base, sparsely branched on top.

Fruit is a small, hard legume, maintaining integrity without splitting open.

Leaf composed of 5-7 narrow leaflets with glandular dots on underside.

Detailed Traits of White prairie clover

Leaf Features

The dull green leaves of white prairie clover are composed of 5 to 7 narrow leaflets, each typically measuring up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length and less than 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in width. These narrow leaflets collectively form a compound leaf ranging from 2 to 7 inches (5 to 18 cm) in length. Notably, glandular dots can be found on the underside of the leaflets, adding to their distinctive characteristics.

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Flower Features

The flowers of white prairie clover are small, white, and measure approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) across. Each flower features 5 delicate petals and 5 stamens. The blooming pattern is notable, starting from the bottom of the spike and progressing upward in a sequential manner. These key characteristics are essential for identifying the flowers of white prairie clover.

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Stem Features

The stem of white prairie clover is erect and slender, typically unbranched at the lower portion and sparsely branched near the top. It features a pale green coloration and a smooth texture. The stem is generally thin, measuring around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. This characteristic erect and unbranched lower section contrasts with the occasionally branching upper section and is a key feature for identifying white prairie clover.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of white prairie clover is a small, hard pod, typically referred to as a legume, that maintains its integrity by not splitting open upon ripening. The resilient exterior presents a smooth, often somewhat glossy texture. Bearing a subtle hue, these legumes range in size but generally stay within modest dimensions, making them less conspicuous among the foliage. They encapsulate seeds safely, enabling them to distribute in the environment as complete units, an adaptation that aids in the species' propagation.

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White prairie clover and Their Similar Plants

Purple Prairie Clover vs. White prairie clover: What's The Difference?

Native to central North America, purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) is a perennial herb with woody stems and several branches. It is used for revegetation on reclaimed land and also as hay for livestock. It is a vital part of prairie wildflower ecology, can fix nitrogen deficiencies in the soil, and is prized as a cover crop.

Gregg's prairie clover vs. White prairie clover: What's The Difference?

Gregg's prairie clover is a resilient desert shrub known for its silvery-green foliage and delicate purple flower spikes that bloom in the warmth of late spring to early summer. Its deep root system allows it to thrive in arid conditions, making gregg's prairie clover well-adapted to rocky or sandy soils in its native southwestern US habitat. The hardy nature of gregg's prairie clover makes it a defining feature of its ecosystem and popular in xeriscaping.

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Key Facts About White prairie clover

Attributes of White prairie clover

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb, Shrub

Plant Height

30 cm to 91 cm

Spread

15 cm to 30 cm

Flower Size

2.5 cm

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Scientific Classification of White prairie clover

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Family

Legume

Genus

Prairie clover

Species

White prairie clover (Dalea candida)

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Distribution Map of White prairie clover

White prairie clover, primarily native to North America, has a distribution range that extends from the central to the northern parts of the continent. The plant has also been introduced and cultivated in various regions beyond its native range, adapting to different environments as a cultivated species.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to White prairie clover How to Grow and Care for White prairie clover