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soft prairie clover
Scientific Name: Dalea mollissima
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Perennial
Other Names:
Dalea mollissima: Soft Prairie Clover
Dalea mollissima, a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), is a desert wildflower also known as soft prairie clover, downy dalea, and silk dalea. Its flowers resemble other members of the pea family, growing on dense, short spikes. The plant has leaves and stems covered in soft, fine hairs, which gives it a grey appearance.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is described as having soft hairs covering its leaves and stems.
Considerations for Children
- The plant is described as having soft hairs covering its leaves and stems.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Dalea mollissima (Rydb.) Munz
- Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
- Common Names: Soft prairie clover, Downy dalea, Silk dalea, Silky Dalea, Soft Prairie-clover
- Synonyms: Hairy dalea (implied through mention of "Munz - soft prairie clover, hairy dalea.")
- Rank: Species
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Flowers grow on dense spikes approximately 2.5 cm long.
- Leaves are smaller and more numerous than those of Purple Prairie Clover.
- Leaves and stems are covered with soft, fine hairs, giving the plant a grey appearance.
- The plant is a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
- Height: Typically 4-12 inches tall.
- Leaves are alternate, crowded, short-stalked, and odd-pinnately compound, measuring about 0.75 to 1.5 inches long and 0.5 to 1 inch wide. They are densely covered with soft silky hairs.
Distribution and Habitat
- Found in desert environments.
- Native northward to southern Manitoba.
Additional Information
- Grows in zones 10a-12.
- Prefers well-drained soil.