Living On The Edge

Introduction

Species in Recovery

Success Stories

Endangered Animals

Endangered Plants

Counties were Species
Can be viewed

Description: The Prairie bush-clover is a member of the bean or legume family. The plant has one or more stems which have compound leaves with three linear leaflets. It reaches a height of up to 39 inches. The pale pink or cream-colored flowers bloom from mid-July to early September. The plant often appears grayish or silver in color.

Habitat and Habits: Prairie bush-clover occurs on native prairie areas and pastures that have retained many of the original prairie species. Prairie bush-clover can reproduce vegetatively, but appears to reproduce primarily by seed. The seed can germinate in disturbed ground, making it possible for the species to maintain itself or even increase its population under some forms of grazing.

Distribution: Prairie bush-clover is endemic to the Midwest as it is known only in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It currently occurs in 14 counties in Iowa.

Conservation Efforts: By working with landowners, protection of known populations is continuing. Research on the effects of prescribed burning for prairies with prairie bush-clover is being conducted.

Reasons For Listing: Prairie bush-clover is threatened because of the loss of native prairie habitat in the Midwest

Photographer:Bill Watson