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downy prairie clover
Scientific Name: Dalea neomexicana var. neomexicana
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Dalea Species: Prairie Clovers
This section explores various species within the genus Dalea, commonly known as prairie clovers or indigo bushes. Information is compiled from various sources regarding their characteristics, distribution, and taxonomy.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species, such as Silky Dalea (Dalea mollissima), have "downy" or "hairy" characteristics.
Considerations for Children
- Some species, such as Silky Dalea (Dalea mollissima), have "downy" or "hairy" characteristics.
Common Names and Scientific Names
- Scientific Names: Several Dalea species are mentioned, including:
- Dalea mollissima
- Dalea neomexicana
- Dalea purpurea
- Dalea candida
- Dalea villosa
- Dalea brachystachys
- Dalea aurea
- Dalea adenopoda
- Dalea jamesii
- Dalea lutea
- Dalea foliosa
- Dalea lachnostachys
- Common Names:
- Silky Dalea (also known as Soft Prairie Clover or Downy Dalea/Hairy Dalea)
- Downy Prairie Clover
- New Mexico Dalea
- Purple Prairie Clover
- White Prairie Clover
- Fort Bowie Prairie Clover
- Golden Prairie Clover
- Tampa Prairie Clover
- James' Prairie Clover
- Yellow Dalea
- Leafy Prairie Clover
- Glandleaf Prairie Clover
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
- Taxonomic Rank: Species and Variety (e.g., Dalea neomexicana var. longipila)
- Synonyms/Alternative Scientific Names: Dalea neomexicana (A. Gray) Cory is a recurring name.
Distribution and Habitat
- Dalea neomexicana is found in the Sonoran Desert and grasslands of southeastern regions.
- Silky Prairie Clover (Dalea villosa var. villosa) is found in Minnesota.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- New Mexico
- Minnesota
- Fort Bowie
- Northeastern Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Habitats mentioned are prairies, glades, open places, well-drained sand, and slightly damp loam.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Flowers resemble those of other plants in the pea family, growing on dense spikes (e.g., 2.5 cm long in Silky Dalea).
- 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 and stems that are mostly prostrate but flowerheads are erect.
- Plant Type: Perennial forb (e.g., Dalea neomexicana).
- Size: Varies (e.g., Dalea mollisima: H: 4"-12").
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Mentioned alongside other plants commonly found in similar habitats, such as:
- Downy Phlox (Phlox pilosa)
- Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
- Tall Blue Larkspur
- Canada Milk Vetch
- Lanceleaf Coreopsis
- White Prairie Clover
- Purple Sunflower
- Downy Sunflower
- Roundhead Bushclover
- Rough Blazingstar
- Downy Wood Mint (Blephilia ciliata)
Further Information
- Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Dalea neomexicana.
- Minnesota Wildflowers provides photos and information about Minnesota flora, including Silky Prairie Clover.
- Prairie Moon Nursery offers seed germination codes for successfully growing various plants, including Purple Prairie Clover and Downy Sunflower.