SafePlants

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

Purple Prairie Clover, scientifically known as Dalea purpurea, is a striking native wildflower prized for its vibrant blooms and ecological value. Often written as "prairie-clover," this perennial legume adds a touch of color and resilience to various landscapes.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Dalea purpurea has stiff, upright stems and wiry stems, which could pose a minor risk of eye irritation or injury if pets brush against them.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Dalea purpurea has stiff, upright stems and wiry stems, which could pose a minor risk of eye irritation or injury if children brush against them.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Dalea purpurea
• Common Names: Purple Prairie Clover, Violet Prairie Clover
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea or Legume Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: Sometimes listed as Petalostemon purpureum. Dalea lasiathera A. Gray is also mentioned in the text.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Midwest.
• Found in glades, rocky open woods, and prairies.
• Prefers open, sandy soils.
• Grows on limestone hills and flat open ground, particularly in the Trans-Pecos, Edwards Plateau, and Rio Grande regions.

Morphological Characteristics

• Herbaceous perennial plant.
• Typically unbranched and grows to 30-90 cm (1-3ft) tall.
• Older plants may tiller (produce additional stems from the base).
• Forms clumps.
• Deep-rooted.
• Multistemmed with thick, woody roots.
• Leaves are pinnately divided with 3-5 narrow, inrolled leaflets.
• Features intensely red-violet flowers at the tips of stiff, upright stems.
• Flowers are arranged in 2-inch thimble-shaped spikes.
• Blooms May to September.
• Each flower has tiny orange stamens.

Ecological Role

• Excellent range species with high protein content.
• Decreases in abundance with overgrazing, indicating its sensitivity to land management practices.
• Important component of Midwestern ecosystems.
• Fixes nitrogen in the soil.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• A pollinator favorite.
• Host plant for Dogface Butterfly larvae.
• Provides nectar to many species of butterflies.
• Valuable to birds.

Quirky Facts

• Before flowering, you can distinguish Purple Prairie Clover from White Prairie Clover.
• The blooms feature a striking color combination of bright purple flowers and tiny orange stamens.

Cultivation

• Ideal for rock gardens, sunny perennial borders, native plant gardens, and naturalized prairie areas.
• Perfect for meadows, naturalized settings, slopes, or along roadsides.
• A staple legume in mostly sunny, diverse plantings in medium to dry soils.
• USDA Zones 3 to 9.
• Low water requirement.
• Requires full sun.

Further Information

• Flora of North America (FNA)
• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life