Plant of the Week: Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

Written by Hailey Collins

What’s a staple of traditional prairies, is great for erosion control, and is blooming right now? It’s the Purple Prairie Clover! This narrow-leaved legume grows thimble-shaped purple flowers, that appear to puff out as the flowering stage progresses.

Dalea purpurea can be found throughout most of the United States, making it one of the most recognizable prairie flowers around. Early growth matches neighboring native grass heights, but it quickly rises as it approaches blooming stages to help with seed dispersal. The small tan seeds are picked up by the wind and drift to their new home, where they can either grow that year, or decades later. Yes, you read that right. Purple Prairie Clover seeds can germinate even after 100 years after their dispersal. Purple Prairie Clover is a wonderful addition to gardens as it attracts butterflies and pollinators, and it is a perennial so it will come back every year!