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Purple Prairie Clover

Dalea purpurea

Photographed in Hempstead County, Arkansas

Dalea purpurea is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known as purple prairie clover. Native to central North America, purple prairie clover is a relatively common member of the Great Plains and prairie ecosystems. It blooms in the summer with dense spikes of bright purple flowers that attract many species of insects.

Quick Facts

Scientific name Dalea purpurea
Family Fabaceae
Height 1-3 ft
Bloom time Jul-Aug
Sun Full sun
Moisture Dry to mesic
Soil Sand, loam
Wildlife value Nitrogen fixer; the blooming ring climbs the head; excellent bee plant

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Image Credits

  • Eric Hunt (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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