Dalea purpurea – Purple Prairie Clover

General Information: Among the most captivating clovers, Prairie purple clover is a beautiful, stout perennial with a deep taproot. This charming prairie native can easily withstand harsh conditions, growing in poor soils, eroded areas, and extreme cold. The beauty of Purple Prairie Clover is expressed from May through July when the gorgeous flowers emerge. Similar to other composite flowers, each floral head is composed of an aggregation of numerous florets which mature from the bottom up. The sum of the minute flowers culminates in a buffet for pollinators during the height of summer. Further, the foliage of this species is also highly nutritious to ruminants, making an ideal forage crop or wildlife attractant in areas with Buffalo. For those who do not live near or keep large herbivores, the plant can also be utilized as a source of green mulch. Established plants tolerate being chopped and used as mulch for surrounding vegetation once the flowering period has passed. As a bonus, most legumes, such as Purple Prairie Clover, host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots, providing these plants and their neighbors with a perpetual source of fertilizer. The tough stems of this species have been used as a broom-making material. This plant has been used medicinally and as a snack or beverage by Indigenous Peoples throughout the plant’s native range.

Edible Qualities: While not a major human food crop, Purple Prairie Clover can be used as a sustainable protein source for livestock. The roots are considered edible when raw, they are chewed like gum, and are reported to have a sweet flavor. The dried leaves can be used to make a similarly pleasant tea.

Cultivation Details: Purple Prairie Clover is an ideal companion plant, especially with short native grasses. Consider pairing with other selections from our “Attracts Wildlife” category. This species does not tolerate transplant well due to an extensive taproot. Plants should be situated in a permanent location. Ideal for prairie restoration, soil improvements, erosion control, mass plantings, rewilding, native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, as a companion plant, in border and foundation plantings, or as a specimen plant. These plants can be propagated by seed sown directly on bare soil in fall, or with some treatment and stratification over winter. Purple Prairie Clover is not known to harbor any serious diseases or insects.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun. Prefers dry to moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Tolerates clay, rocky, and gravelly soils. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.