SafePlants

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

Purple Prairie Clover, scientifically known as Dalea purpurea, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). It's also known as violet prairie clover and formerly Petalostemum purpureum.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dalea purpurea
• Common Name: Purple Prairie Clover
• Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae or Bean family)
• Synonyms: Petalostemon violaceum, Petalostemum purpureum
• Plant Symbol: DAPUP

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the central section of North America.
• Found in prairies, glades, rocky open woods, dry hills, and open areas.
• Occurs throughout most of central United States, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.
• Adapted to all but the eastern and western tier states of the United States.

Ecological Role

• Helps add nitrogen back into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.
• Excellent range species with high protein content.
• Decreases in abundance with overgrazing.
• Provides food and cover for birds, deer, antelope, livestock, and small animals.
• Attracts butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

Morphological Characteristics & Growth Habits

• Herbaceous perennial plant, typically unbranched (older plants may tiller).
• Grows to be 1 to 3 feet tall (30-60 cm).
• Deep-rooted legume with a thick, woody taproot making it drought-tolerant.
• Multiple slender, upright stems grow from a single base.
• Leaves are divided into 3 to 9 shiny, narrow leaflets, each about 1 inch long and 1/8 inch wide.
• Features conelike heads (2-inch thimble-shaped spike) of tiny 5-petaled purple flowers.
• Flowers bloom in mid-summer, displaying intensely red-violet color at the tips of stiff, upright stems.
• Small dark leaves give the plant a fern-like appearance.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has wiry stems.
• The plant produces seed that may attract birds.

Quirky Facts

• Before flowering, it can be easy to tell the Purple Prairie Clover from the White Prairie Clover by foliage color.
• Known for turning plains purple as far as the eye can see.
• Forms clumps and doesn't spread like some other clovers.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS James E. "Bud" Smith contributed to information about this plant.
• Dave's Garden offers a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens.
• Native American Seed offers Purple Prairie Clover for purchase.