Numerous cone-like heads of purple flowers dance on top of wiry stems in summer. Small, dark leaves give the plant a ferny appearance. This nitrogen-fixer is an important component of Midwestern prairies.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Purple Prairie Clover
Dalea purpurea
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Glade, Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Purple
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
12 to
24
inches
Spread:
16 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
24
inches
Spread: 16 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
24
inches
Spread: 16 to
24
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Use in the perennial border, the native garden, wildflower meadows and prairies.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. A thick deep taproot enables this plant to tolerate drought.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fresh Cut Flower, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.