prairie clover

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Petalostemon, of the legume family, common in western North America, having pinnately compound leaves and spikes of white, purple, or pink flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prairie clover¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

“If you have white and purple prairie clover side by side,” Holm said, “you’ll likely observe wasps preferentially visiting the white flowers.”

From Seattle Times

“I’m looking for white prairie clover,” Hunt explained, clipping a seed head of the small white flower and dropping it into her basket.

From Washington Times

By planting perennial native wildflower gardens with numerous species, preferably plants like grayhead coneflower, golden Alexanders, leadplant and purple prairie clover, anyone can make the world better for bees.

From Washington Times

By planting perennial native wildflower gardens with numerous species, preferably plants like grayhead coneflower, golden Alexanders, leadplant and purple prairie clover, anyone can make the world better for bees.

From Seattle Times

DeLong pulled over for a patch of white prairie clover.

From Washington Times