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Key characteristics

Family: Fabaceae
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: White to light pink, pea-like flowers
Foliage color: Silvery-gray, soft and hairy
Bloom time: Late spring to summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Maintenance: Low; prefers well-drained soil
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies, deer-resistant

Groundcovers

Dorycnium hirsutum

Canary Clover

Dorycnium hirsutum, commonly known as Canary Clover, is a shrubby perennial admired for its soft, silvery-gray foliage and clusters of small white or pale pink flowers. Blooming from late spring through summer, the delicate blooms form tight clusters atop woolly stems, creating a subtle yet charming display. The silvery foliage adds year-round interest, contrasting beautifully with other plants in mixed borders or Mediterranean-style gardens.

Native to the Mediterranean region, particularly southern Europe, Dorycnium hirsutum thrives in dry, rocky environments, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low

Bloom time

Late spring to summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Mediterranean Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Rock Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Rockrose · Lavender · Yarrows · Santolinas · Blue fescue · Helianthemums

Design tip

Repeat this silvery shrub throughout sunny plantings to unify gardens with a consistent foliage color rather than relying only on flowers. The repeated silver tones soften stronger bloom colors while creating a calm, cohesive framework that lasts all season.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)