Purple prairie-clover (Dalea purpurea, Choix Pl.: t. 40 (1807))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Vent.

Bibliography: Choix Pl.: t. 40 (1807)

Year: 1807

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dalea

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Canada to WC. & EC. U.S.A.

Description

Purple prairie-clover, a striking and resilient perennial, is frequently admired for its vibrant purple blooms and ecological benefits. Belonging to the Fabaceae family, it flourishes in diverse conditions across central Canada through to the western and eastern United States.

Scientifically known as Dalea purpurea, this native plant forms an essential component of prairie ecosystems. It has a long history of use by Native Americans for medicinal purposes and continues to be heralded for its role in promoting healthy soil. The plant’s unique structure includes cylindrical flower heads brimming with small, vivid purple flowers, which attract a myriad of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Dalea purpurea is not just visually appealing but also vital for prairie restoration projects due to its deep, extensive root systems. These roots help mitigate soil erosion and enhance nutrient cycling, making them indispensable in maintaining the integrity of natural habitats. Moreover, its drought tolerance and adaptiveness to various soil types make it a robust choice for natural landscaping and restoration efforts.

First documented in 1807 by the botanist Vent. in the publication “Choix Pl.: t. 40,” Purple prairie-clover has enjoyed a celebrated position among native plant enthusiasts. It supports wildlife, enhances biodiversity, and stands as a testament to the beauty and utility of native prairies. Whether integrated into a home garden or part of a large restoration project, Dalea purpurea continues to be valued for its durability and ecological contributions.

Common Names

Swe: prärieklöver
Eng: purple prairie clover, purple prairie-clover, purple prairieclover, violet dalea, violet prairie clover, violet prairie-clover, purple dalea, purple parosela
Fra: dalée violette
En: Purple prairie-clover, Purple prairie clover, PURPLE PRAIRIECLOVER, VIOLET PRAIRIE-CLOVER, Violet dalea, Tóhtoo’éotá’tavö’êstse, Violet prairie clover, Purple dalea, Purple parosela
Fi: Preeria-apila
Fr: Dalée violette
Sv: Prärieklöver

Synonyms

• Psoralea purpurea ((Vent.) Poir.)
• Kuhnistera purpurea ((Vent.) MacMill.)
• Petalostemon purpureus ((Vent.) Rydb.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Ryan Heaney (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by David Yaeger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Jill Leonard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2019 by Kassie Oram (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by kris murphy (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Raina J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 27, 2020 by Psychlone One (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Howard Toliver (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Valerie Mason (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 26, 2017 by Keith Gebhardt (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2022 by Lily Jones (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 17, 2014 by EOL − timarcus (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 4, 2014 by EOL − Mike H (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 9, 2015 by EOL − Kelly Fuerstenberg (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 10, 2015 by EOL − Jenny Smith (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 10, 2015 by EOL − Jenny Smith (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken May 12, 2020 by Luis Olivé (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 14, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5353342)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:490847-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dalea purpurea Vent.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb, Subshrub

Growth