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compact prairie clover
Scientific Name: Dalea compacta var. pubescens
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Compact Prairie Clover (Dalea compacta)
The Compact Prairie Clover, scientifically known as Dalea compacta, is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family. It is also commonly referred to as Compact Prairieclover or Plains Prairieclover.
Considerations for Pets
- As a member of the pea (Fabaceae) family, ingestion of large quantities of the plant or seeds by pets might cause gastrointestinal upset. Monitor your pet.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Dalea compacta Spreng.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea)
- Genus: Dalea
- Common Name: Compact Prairie Clover
- Synonyms:
- Dalea compacta Spreng. var. pubescens (A. Gray) Barneby
- Dalea compacta var. compacta
Distribution and Habitat
- Dalea compacta thrives in grasslands.
- It can be found growing on dry rocky limestone or chalk slopes.
- It also inhabits prairies on stony silty clay loam.
Morphological Characteristics
- Dalea compacta is a perennial herb.
- It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet.
- It features thread-like foliage.
- It produces purple flowers on compact, cone-shaped heads.
- Bright lavender-purple cylindrical blooms with fine-textured, dark green foliage.
- Blooms Spring, May-July, summer and early fall.
- It is a tap-rooted legume.
Ecological Role
- Purple Prairie Clover is a nitrogen-fixing legume.
- It is attractive to butterflies and bees.
Quirky Facts
- The flowers start growing at the base of a compact cylindrical spike.
Further Information
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Discover Life