White Prairie Clover is a native perennial wildflower in the pea family. It features slender spikes of delicate white flowers that bloom from early to mid-summer. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in prairies, open fields, and well-drained soils, where it plays a vital role in supporting pollinators and enriching the soil through nitrogen fixation.
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Growth Habits & Characteristics:
•Height: 1–3 feet
•Spread: 1–2 feet
•Sun Requirements: Full sun
•Soil Preferences: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils; drought-tolerant
•Lifespan: Perennial
•Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (June–August)
•Water Needs: Low; adapted to dry and mesic conditions
•Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming with fine, feathery foliage and slender flower spikes
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Pollinator Importance:
•Attracts native bees, including bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and long-horned bees.
•Visited by butterflies, skippers, and beneficial predatory wasps.
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Companion Plants:
•Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – Provides structural contrast and supports similar dry conditions.
•Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coreopsis) – Adds yellow contrast and attracts pollinators.
•Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) – Offers bright color and extended bloom time.
•Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) – Provides additional nectar sources for pollinators.
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Ecological Importance:
•Pollinator Magnet: Supports a diverse range of bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
•Nitrogen Fixation: Improves soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.
•Drought Resilience: Thrives in dry conditions, making it an essential species for prairie restoration.
•Erosion Control: Deep taproots help stabilize soil in open grasslands and slopes.
•Biodiversity Enhancer: Contributes to the health of ecosystems by supporting native wildlife.