Purple Prairie Clover, Dalea purpurea: A Colorful Native with Ecological Benefits
Introduction:
Purple Prairie Clover, scientifically known as Dalea purpurea, was one of the highlights at the Colorado Master Gardener Seed Social, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. This native perennial is renowned for its vibrant purple flowers and its role in supporting a healthy ecosystem.
Discovering Purple Prairie Clover
Dalea purpurea, commonly referred to as Purple Prairie Clover, is a member of the legume family. It is native to the prairies of North America and is recognized for its slender, cone-shaped purple flowers and fine, feathery foliage. This plant typically grows to about 1–3 feet in height and blooms in mid to late summer.
Growing Purple Prairie Clover in Colorado
Purple Prairie Clover is well-adapted to Colorado’s varying environments, from prairies to open woodlands. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an ideal candidate for xeriscaping. This hardy perennial is drought-resistant once established, requiring minimal maintenance.
Planting and Care
- Soil Requirements: Dalea purpurea prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate poor soil conditions.
- Watering: It requires minimal watering and is an excellent choice for low-water gardens.
- Fertilization: As a legume, Purple Prairie Clover can fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for fertilization.
Medicinal and Nutritional Properties
- While not widely known for its medicinal properties, Native Americans historically used Purple Prairie Clover for various remedies, including as a tea for its health benefits.
- The plant is also a source of nutrition for wildlife and livestock.
Ecological Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Purple Prairie Clover are a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it an excellent plant for pollinator gardens.
- Soil Improvement: As a nitrogen-fixing plant, it helps improve soil fertility, making it beneficial in restoring degraded lands or in crop rotation.
Landscape Uses
Purple Prairie Clover is suitable for naturalized areas, prairies, and meadows. It can be used in wildflower gardens, borders, or as a part of a perennial bed. Its compact size and attractive blooms make it a visually appealing addition to any garden setting.
Companion Plants
It pairs well with other prairie plants like Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, and Little Bluestem grass. These combinations create a diverse and resilient planting beneficial for wildlife and visually appealing.
Conclusion:
Purple Prairie Clover, Dalea purpurea, is more than just a beautiful native flower; it’s a plant with significant ecological value. Easy to grow and maintain, it offers a striking display of purple blooms while contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem. Planting Purple Prairie Clover is a step towards creating a more sustainable, vibrant, and wildlife-friendly garden.
