Florida prairieclover (Dalea floridana)

Description:  Perennial shrub with an open branching habit, to 4-5 ft in height.  Terminal clusters of attractive small white-turning-maroon pea-like flowers.

Natural Habitat:  Endemic to South Florida, with Endangered Staus, where only a few natural populations remain. Pine rocklands, edges of rockland hammocks, and coastal uplands.

Planting and Care:  Full  or partial sunlight, moderate watering till established, after which it tolerates dry conditions.

Pros:  Attracts bees and other pollinators when flowering. Versatile, can be used in pineland, hammock edges, and coastal areas. Recruits but does not overpower surrounding plants.

Cons:   Relatively short-lived perennial, tends to sprawl.

Photo copyright: Susan Kolterman; Florida Fish and Wildlife Service.