Plant Details

Dalea purpurea

Purple Prairie Clover

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Purple florets clustered around a cone-like bud bloom throughout the summer, June-August.

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Description:

Tiny purple florets begin blooming from the bottom of the cylindrical cone, and within a 4-6 week bloom period, they complete their progression upward. Seed pods follow in the fall. Native to mid-western prairies, this unique wildflower has a long taproot offering high drought tolerance. It grows best in dry, well-drained sandy soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay and gravel. Prefers full sun. Purple Stalwort is a member of the Legume Family. Legumes typically have roots that form relationships with bacteria and fungus in the soil, supporting their ability to fix nitrogen, which improves the health of the enitre plant community. Purple Prairie Clover will make an excellent addition to your pollinator garden or meadow and is a lovely cut flower. Companion plants include Liatris spp., Asclepias spp.,  Allium spp., and Echinacea purpurea. It also mixes well with wild grasses including Andropogon gerardii, Panicum virgatum, Sorghastrum nutans and Sporobolus heterolepis.

Wildlife Value: Attractive to pollinators including honeybees, native bees, wasps, butterflies, skippers, moths and beetles. Is a host plant for Dogface sulfur butterfly (Zerene cesonia) caterpillars.

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