Explore Plants
Native Plant Database
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Dalea purpurea Vent.
Purple prairie clover
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonyms: Petalostemon purpureus
USDA Symbol: dapu5
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Tiny rose-purple flowers in cylindrical, head-like masses at ends of upright wiry stems.
This is one of the most widespread of the perennial Prairie Clovers, identifiable by their cone-like flower heads. An excellent range species, with high protein content, Purple Prairie Clover decreases in abundance with overgrazing. A midwestern white-flowering species, White Prairie Clover (D. candida), has elongated flower heads and is only 2 (60 cm) tall. A white-flowering southeastern coastal plain species, D. carnea var. albida, has conspicuous green bracts within the heads.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Subshrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Flower:
Fruit:
Bloom Information
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , SepDistribution
USA: AL , AR , AZ , CO , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , ND , NE , NM , NY , OH , OK , SD , TN , TX , WI , WYCanada: AB , MB , ON , SK
Native Distribution: Indiana and w. Tennessee southwest to Arkansas, Texas, and beyond; north to s. Canada.
Native Habitat: Prairies and dry hills.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High
Conditions Comments: Deer resistant
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial Value to Bumble Bees
Special Value to Honey Bees
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Propagation Material: SeedsDescription: Division of this deep-rooted plant can be tricky so propogation by seed is recommended.
Seed Collection: Seeds mature in late summer.
Seed Treatment: Scarify seedcoat with sandpaper.
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Small perennials & grasses for a naturalized lawn
October 26, 2009
I am looking for native perennials and grasses that will grow no more than 8 inches tall that can be used in a naturalized lawn in Michigan. What 5 plants would be your first choice?
view the full question and answer
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Ohio Prairie Nursery - Hiram, OH
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
NPSOT - Williamson County Chapter - Georgetown, TX, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. LeyerleBibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Dalea purpurea in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Dalea purpurea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Dalea purpurea
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-12-07Research By: TWC Staff
