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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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Purple flowers and green foliage of Dalea purpurea
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

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.

Where Should I Start?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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