SafePlants

Dalea Species: A Guide to Prairie Clovers

This page provides information on several Dalea species, particularly those commonly known as prairie clovers. These plants belong to the pea family and are found in various habitats, often showcasing distinctive floral spikes.

Considerations for Pets

• Several Dalea species are noted to have hairy or downy characteristics, which could be a tactile concern for some animals.

Considerations for Children

• The flowers of several Dalea species grow on dense spikes, which may be tempting for children to pick or handle.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Dalea mollissima: Commonly known as Silky Dalea, Soft Prairie Clover, Downy Dalea, or Hairy Dalea.
• Dalea neomexicana: Commonly known as Downy Prairie Clover or New Mexico Dalea.
• Dalea purpurea: Commonly known as Purple Prairie Clover.
• Dalea villosa: Commonly known as Silky Prairie Clover.
• Dalea candida: Commonly known as White Prairie Clover or Slender White Prairie Clover.
• Dalea brachystachya: Commonly known as Fort Bowie Prairie Clover.
• Dalea aurea: Commonly known as Golden Prairie Clover.
• Dalea lachnostachys: Commonly known as Glandleaf Prairie Clover.
• Dalea jamesii: Commonly known as James' Prairie Clover.
• Dalea lutea: Commonly known as Yellow Dalea.
• Dalea foliosa: Commonly known as Leafy Prairie Clover.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
• Dalea neomexicana:
  • Synonym: Dalea neomexicana (A. Gray) Cory
  • Taxonomic Rank: Variety (e.g., Dalea neomexicana var. longipila)

Distribution and Habitat

• Dalea neomexicana is found in the Sonoran Desert and grasslands of southeastern regions.
• Dalea villosa is found in Minnesota.
• Dalea foliosa is commonly known as leafy prairie clover is a plant of type Forb/herb.
• Some Dalea species are limited to dry, upland prairies in southern and western parts of Wisconsin.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Flowers are similar to others in the pea family, growing on dense spikes that can be 2.5 cm long.
• Dalea neomexicana has stems that are mostly prostrate, but flowerheads are erect. Its leaves are bluish-green, pinnate, with silky hairy spatulate leaflets.
• Dalea mollisima is a perennial that grows to a height of 4-12 inches.
• Dalea purpurea has fern-like foliage and many clusters of purple flowers.

Ecological Role

• Purple prairie clover is a legume of prairies, glades, and other open places.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Dalea neomexicana.
• Prairie Moon Nursery provides seed germination codes to help grow Purple Prairie Clover.