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 described as being "grayish-woolly-hairy throughout" and "densely covered in woolly hairs." This woolly texture might be attractive to pets, potentially leading to ingestion.
• Leaves are described as "linear, mostly 10-20 mm long and 1-2 mm broad, folded," which could present a choking hazard if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dalea lanata Spreng.
• Common Names: Woolly Prairie Clover, Woolly Dalea
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species, Variety (var. lanata)
• Synonyms: Dalea terminalis
• Subordinate Taxa: Dalea lanata var. lanata

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant's presence has been noted in several states, including Arkansas (AR), Oklahoma (OK), and New Mexico (NM). It is, however, noted as "Not In Idaho."
• It thrives in locations with at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day.

Morphological Characteristics

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

Related Species

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

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Dalea lanata.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: Offers photos and information, including those from Britton, N.L., and A. Brown's "An Illustrated Flora."
• Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips, ideas, seeds, and plants.