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downy prairie clover

Scientific Name: Dalea neomexicana var. longipila

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Dalea Species: A Diverse Group of Prairie Clovers

This page explores various Dalea species, commonly known as prairie clovers, with a focus on their characteristics, distribution, and related information.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Dalea species have stems that are mostly prostrate, or lying along the ground, which could make them easily accessible to pets.

Plant Names and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Multiple Dalea species are mentioned, including:
    • Dalea mollissima
    • Dalea neomexicana (A. Gray) Cory
    • Dalea villosa var. villosa
    • Dalea purpurea
    • Dalea candida
    • Dalea brachystachys A. Gray
    • Dalea aurea Nutt. ex Pursh
    • Dalea jamesii
    • Dalea lutea
    • Dalea foliosa
    • Dalea nana var. nana
    • Dalea adenopoda
    • Dalea lachnostachys
  • Common Names:
    • Silky Dalea
    • Soft Prairie Clover
    • Downy Dalea
    • Hairy Dalea
    • Downy Prairie Clover
    • New Mexico Dalea
    • Purple Prairie Clover
    • White Prairie Clover
    • Slender White Prairie Clover
    • Fort Bowie Prairie Clover
    • Tampa Prairie Clover
    • Leafy Prairie Clover
    • Dwarf Prairie Clover
    • Glandleaf Prairie Clover
    • James' Prairie Clover
    • Yellow Dalea
    • Downy Prairie Dalea
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species, Variety (e.g., Dalea neomexicana var. longipila)
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: The text frequently uses "downy prairie-clover" and "downy prairieclover" interchangeably, indicating these are considered synonymous with Dalea neomexicana.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dalea neomexicana is found in the Sonoran Desert and grasslands of southeastern regions.
  • Dalea villosa var. villosa is found in Minnesota.
  • Prairie bush clover is limited to dry, upland prairies in southern and western parts of Wisconsin.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Flowers resemble those of other pea family members, growing on dense spikes. For example, Dalea mollissima has flowers on 2.5 cm-long spikes.
  • Silky Prairie Clover has 1 to 5-inch cylinder spikes of lavender to pink flowers.
  • Dalea neomexicana has bluish-green, pinnate leaves with silky hairy spatulate leaflets.
  • Dalea mollisima is a perennial plant, typically 4-12 inches in height.
  • Some species are perennial forbs with 15-30 cm stems that are mostly prostrate but flowerheads are erect.
  • Dalea purpurea has fern-like foliage and clusters of purple flowers.