White Prairie-clover is a legume with slender stems and distinctive cylindrical spikes covered in tiny white flowers. Despite its common name, it is not a true clover; it belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae). It has a remarkable root system. Its thick taproot can extend up to about 2 meters deep, allowing the plant to reach moisture well below the surface during dry periods. Like other legumes, White Prairie Clover forms relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria around its roots, helping make nitrogen available within the plant-soil system. The flowers on each spike open from the bottom upward, so you can actually watch the flower head develop as the season progresses.

White Prairie-clover is surprisingly long-lived and slow-growing at first, investing considerable energy in establishing its deep root before putting on a lot of top growth. Water regularly during its first growing season, but once established it is quite drought tolerant. Avoid moving an established plant if possible. Its deep taproot makes transplanting difficult. It is much better grown from seed and planted where you want it to remain. Don't give it rich soil or lots of water. White Prairie Clover is built for tough conditions and usually performs best when its prairie-style growing conditions are respected.