Purple Prairie Clover Dalea purpurea 500 Seeds USA Company

Dalea purpurea, commonly known as purple prairie clover, is a species of flowering plant native to North America. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which is the pea family. Here are some key points about Dalea purpurea:

Description: Dalea purpurea is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows in clumps. It reaches a height of about 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm). The stems are slender and often woody at the base. The leaves are compound, with small leaflets arranged along the stem. The flowers are arranged in dense cylindrical spikes at the tips of the stems and are typically purple, although they can range from pink to lavender.

Habitat: Purple prairie clover is commonly found in prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and along roadsides throughout much of North America. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun but can tolerate a range of soil types and moisture conditions.

Ecological Importance: Dalea purpurea is an important plant for native pollinators, including bees and butterflies, as it provides nectar and pollen. It also serves as a food source for various herbivores, including deer and livestock.

Cultural Uses: Purple prairie clover has been historically used by Indigenous peoples for various purposes. For example, some tribes used it as a medicinal plant, while others used it as forage for livestock or as a source of dye for textiles. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Growing Instructions for the Purple Prairie Clover

1. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 2. Put the seeds on the soil. 3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. 4. Water the seeds. 5. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade. The seeds germinate in 10-12 days. 6. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.