SafePlants

Golden Prairie Clover (Dalea aurea)

The Golden Prairie Clover, scientifically known as Dalea aurea, is a captivating plant belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family. This perennial subshrub offers visual appeal and ecological benefits, making it a noteworthy addition to various landscapes.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the presence of seeds, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with ingestion of these seeds by pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dalea aurea Nutt. ex Pursh
• Common Names: Golden Prairie Clover, Golden Dalea, Golden Prairie-clover, Silktop dalea
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: Parosela aurea (Nutt. ex Fraser) Britton

Description and Growth Habits

• Golden Dalea is an upright perennial that typically grows to a height of 12-22 inches.
• It possesses a woody taproot, which aids in its establishment and survival.
• Individual flowers are relatively small, measuring approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch.
• The plant develops in an erect manner and can become a tree-like structure over time.
• Stems are erect, one to several, simple or occasionally branched above and silky-hairy.
• Leaves are alternate and stalked.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Golden Prairie Clover is found in regions such as Goodwell and Texhoma, Oklahoma.
• It thrives in pastures and along roadsides.
• Specific locations include Moore's Hill Outcrop at FM Road 3090 near Navasota, Texas.

Ecological Role

• As a legume, Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) adds nitrogen to the soil naturally, contributing to soil fertility. Although not explicitly stated for Golden Prairie Clover, as it is in the same genus, it may have similar properties.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant combines well with prairie verbena, shrubby skullcap, or blackfoot daisy in plantings.
• Mentioned in connection with Golden Alexanders flowers, which are visited by Mining Bees.

Quirky Facts

• Purple Prairie Clover features gorgeous purple flowers with golden flecks.
• The Golden Prairie Clover is considered one of the showiest species of prairie clover.
• The flowers heads of Purple Prairie-clover are cone-like.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
• The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Dalea aurea.
• Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Dalea aurea.
• The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database contains information and photos of Dalea aurea.
• Wyoming Natural Diversity Database provides data on Dalea aurea.
• iNaturalist.org has observations and information about Dalea aurea.