Prairie, White

For centuries an important plant for humans, animals, and the landscape! Native Americans eat the leaves or make tea from them (or add them to tea). The root is very tasty and sweet to chew raw and is said to help well against toothache. A sturdy, elastic broom is made from the stems. Medicinal applications also include: against stomach pain and fever, and a decoction is used to make a medicine against snakebites in sheep.
Despite the name, this is not a true clover, but a "sibling" of it. The plant is native to North America and very hardy here. The roots anchor themselves firmly up to 2 meters deep! The fine, needle-like, grey-green leaves and clusters of bright white flowers (total height 50-90 cm) give the plant a playful appearance. Flowering period July-September.
This species is used in the US to re-plant reclaimed land (e.g., after mining); furthermore, this diligent rooter prevents erosion and brings nitrogen (nutrients) into the soil. Once they settle for a few years, a (prairie) fire doesn't even bother them! In the prairie, this plant is an important food source for wild livestock, such as the pronghorn, but the species is also cultivated for enriching hay.

To avoid depleting your valuable soil, it is wise to let the land lie fallow occasionally. During such a period, green manure is ideal: it adds nutrients to the soil through often present nitrogen fixation; it suppresses weed growth, promotes bacterial life, provides humus, and in some cases works against harmful nematodes.

Names:
Latin: Dalea candida
Dutch: Witte prairieklaver
Also known as: Prairieklaver
English: White Prairie Clover