Purple Prairie Clover
Dalea purpurea
A nitrogen-fixing prairie legume with threadlike leaves and striking cone-shaped clusters of rose-purple flowers ringed by bright orange anthers. Deeply rooted and exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. A cornerstone species for pollinator and xeriscape plantings, and highly palatable to native bees.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Southern AB Prairie, Zone 3
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
July–Aug
Soil
Dry to average, well-drained; tolerates poor soils
Water
Drought-tolerant
Growing & Cultivation
Best Planting Time
Late fall (ideal) or early spring after cold stratification
Propagation
Seed — direct sow in late fall (natural stratification) or cold stratify 30 days before spring sowing. Scarifying in 80°C water for 24 hours improves germination. Plants take ~2 years to mature.
Spacing
30–45 cm
