SafePlants

Dalea lanata: Woolly Prairie Clover

Dalea lanata, commonly known as Woolly Prairie Clover, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Dalea.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is noted to be "woolly-hairy throughout," and covered in "woolly hairs," which may be a consideration for animals who ingest plant material.
• The fruit is a tiny pod about 1/8 inch long, which could be a potential choking hazard for small animals.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is noted to be "woolly-hairy throughout," and covered in "woolly hairs," which may be a consideration for young children.
• The fruit is a tiny pod about 1/8 inch long, which could be a potential choking hazard for young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dalea lanata Spreng.
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Variety: Dalea lanata var. lanata Spreng.
• Synonyms: Dalea terminalis

Common Names

• Woolly Prairie Clover
• Woolly Dalea
• Woolly Prairie-clover
• Wooly Dalea
• Wooly Prairieclover
• Wooly Dalea
• Dune Prairie Clover

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is found in locations such as New Mexico, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
• It is not found in Idaho.

Morphological Characteristics

• Dalea lanata is described as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Leaves are alternate, odd-pinnate, with 3-7 linear leaflets, mostly 10-20 mm long and 1-2 mm broad, and often folded.
• The plant can be grayish-woolly-hairy throughout.
• Fruit is a tiny pod about 1/8 inch long, densely covered in woolly hairs.

Ecological Role

• Dalea foliosa, also known as Leafy Prairie Clover, is considered an endangered plant.

Habitat and Growing conditions

• Woolly prairie clover prefers a location with at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Bumble bees are known to visit Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea).

Related Species

• Dalea albiflora (Whiteflower Prairie Clover)
• Dalea aurea (Golden Prairie Clover)
• Dalea laniceps (Woollyhead Prairie Clover)
• Dalea candida (White Prairie Clover)
• Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover)
• Dalea bicolor (Silver Prairie Clover)
• Dalea brachystachya (Fort Bowie Prairie Clover)
• Dalea foliosa (Leafy Prairie Clover)

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden