Dalea purpurea

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 3-8, 24-30" x 12", full sun, pronounced cones covered by frilly ruffs of tiny, bright purple flowers that bloom from the bottom up in mid summer, medium to dry soils, not choosy as to soil type but needs good drainage, very drought tolerant once established

Common names: Purple Prairie Clover

Synonyms: Petalostemum purpureum

Family: Fabaceae

Origin/Distribution: the native distribution is from Indiana and western Tennessee southwest to Arkansas, Texas and further west as well as north up to southern Canada

Habitat: prairie (sand or blacksoil), savanna, over limestone in sunny fields, dry slopes

More: Dalea purpurea has a strong taproot, is a nitrogen-fixer, and takes awhile to get established as it spends time and energy developing that root. The flowers attract numerous pollinators, including the Rusty-patched Bumblebee (Bombus affinis), for which it is a preferred source of nectar and pollen. Many Maine native plants are also favored by this bee which used to be common in Maine, but was last photographed here in 2005. It is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and is in severe decline in all of its native habitat. This plant has a high protein content and is excellent native fodder. However, it declines with over-grazing. Supposedly deer resistant, but I wonder how this squares with being potential fodder for livestock. Of course, a deer is not a cow.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons