Prairie Clover, Purple

Purple Prairie Clover

Dalea purpurea

Height: 12-36in
Spread: 12-18in
Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time/Color: June-August; purple
Uses: Naturalizing, rock gardens, cottage gardens, prairies
Maintenance: Low
Other: Attracts butterflies

Prairie clover is a tough, underrated native perennial that blooms prolifically even in drought. It blooms in the heat of the summer on slender cones, with its tiny purple petals condensed at the bottom. The thin, narrow leaves give the plant a fine airy texture. As prairie clover is in the legume family, it fixes nitrogen into the soil which helps promote better soil health. Prairie clover does best in well-drained soils in full sun and may self-seed in optimum conditions. Little to no disease or pest issues. Plants have a taproot system so care should be taken when transplanting.

Dalea purpurea is an Iowa native.

**Photo courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden**