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Extension

Plant Profile 
FYUSE 3D Image

Common Name: Purple Prairie Clover
Species Name: Dalea Purpurea
Plant Type: Legume
Family Name: Fabaceae, Pea Family

Plant Facts 
OriginNative
DurationPerennial
Distribution in the U.S.Midwest; from Canada south to Texas and New Mexico and from Tennessee and Arkansas to Colorado and Montana
Distribution in OklahomaThroughout the state

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics

    Vegetative

    • Elongated stems that only branch at the top
    • Small gland-dotted leaves
    • Herbage has citrus scent

    Floral

    • Large, elongated flower head with purple flowers ringing around the base
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Leaf Type: Compound, 1 – pinnately
    • Leaf Arrangement: Alternate 
    • Leaf Shape: Linear or oblong
    • Stipules: Present
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Petal Number: 5, unfused
    • Flower Color:Purple or rose-purple 
    • Flower Timing: June-September
    • Fruit Type: Legumes
Habitat/Ecology 
Soil TypeModerately-drained sand, sandy loam
HabitatPrairies, open, rocky, upland woods and limestone sites
Successional StageLate