Alphabetical Plant Listing

Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover)

Purple Prairie Clover, Violet Prairie Clover, Red Tassel Flower, Thimbleweed, Petalostemon purpureum


A long-lived prairie native, Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover) is an attractive perennial boasting plump, knobby rose-purple flower heads atop upright wiry stems. Blooming for 4-6 weeks in summer, they attract bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Birds feast on the seeds once the floral display ends. The charming blossoms hover above the fine-textured foliage of compound, odd-pinnate leaves adorned with 3-5 narrow leaflets. Dalea purpurea originates from a sturdy taproot that supplies fertility to the soil through nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Purple Prairie Clover is an excellent range species that is valued for its high protein content. It is used for re-vegetation and prairie restoration and produces excellent forage for livestock and wildlife. Extremely resistant to heat and drought, Purple Prairie Clover is perfect for rock gardens, borders, native plant gardens, wild gardens, prairie or naturalized areas.

  • Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). May self-seed where happy.
  • Thrives in full sun in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by seed. Purple prairie clover germinates at soil temperatures ranging from 59 to 86 °F (15-30 °C)
  • Native from Saskatchewan to Texas.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 10, 11, 12
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, New York, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 10, 11, 12
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, New York, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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