Blue Prairie Clover
Dalea purpurea
Blue Prairie Clover is a beloved prairie legume with distinctive purple cone-shaped flower spikes and fine foliage. A symbol of prairie resilience and community, it enriches soils and provides vital habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
Fabaceae (Legume or Pea family)
Early to mid-summer (June-August)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: purple prairie clovers and camassias also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Purple prairie clover is a quintessential symbol of North American prairies and the Great Plains. As a nitrogen-fixing legume, it represents nourishment and community by enriching the soil for surrounding plants. Its presence indicates pristine, undisturbed prairie habitat, making it a living marker of ecological health. Collected by Meriwether Lewis in 1804 during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, it connects us to early American natural history. The plant's deep taproot and ability to survive fire and grazing symbolize the enduring strength and adaptability of prairie ecosystems.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; does not tolerate shade
Water
Low to moderate; highly drought-tolerant with deep taproot (5.5-6.5 feet deep)
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Gravelly, Rocky, Loam, Poor to moderately fertile, Neutral to slightly alkaline
Expert Growing Tips
Develops extensive taproot (up to 6.5 feet deep) for drought tolerance
As a legume, fixes atmospheric nitrogen and enriches soil naturally
Requires rhizobia bacteria for optimal growth (naturally present in most soils)
Cannot tolerate shade; considered an indicator of pristine prairies
May require fire or disturbance to clear woody vegetation
Slow-growing in first year; matures fully in second year
Long-lived perennial once established
Difficult to transplant due to deep taproot; best grown from seed
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Prairie and meadow gardens
- Native plant landscapes
- Pollinator and butterfly gardens
- Rock gardens and xeriscaping
- Prairie restorations
- Low-maintenance borders
Traditional Uses
- Leaves used for making tea in traditional Native American medicine
- Roots palatable when chewed
- High protein content makes it valuable forage for wildlife
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Prairie Clover
Is purple prairie clover the same as blue prairie clover?
Yes, purple prairie clover and blue prairie clover are the same plant (Dalea purpurea). The flowers are actually purple to violet-purple, not blue, but both common names are used interchangeably.
Does purple prairie clover fix nitrogen?
Yes, as a legume, purple prairie clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria on its roots. This enriches the soil naturally and benefits surrounding plants.
Is purple prairie clover a pollinator plant?
Purple prairie clover is an excellent pollinator plant. It attracts bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies (including the Southern Dogface), skippers, wasps, and specialist plasterer bees that depend on Dalea species.
How deep do prairie clover roots grow?
Purple prairie clover develops an extensive taproot that can reach 5.5 to 6.5 feet (1.7 to 2 meters) deep. This deep root system makes the plant extremely drought-tolerant and difficult to transplant.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Purple Prairie Clover
Dalea purpurea
Purple Prairie Clover is a drought-tolerant native prairie legume with distinctive thimble-shaped purple flower spikes. Valued for wildlife, soil improvement, and authentic prairie restoration.
Camassia
Camassia spp. (incl. C. quamash, C. leichtlinii)
Camassia is a stately North American native bulb producing tall spikes of vivid blue, violet, or white star-shaped flowers in late spring. It symbolizes abundance, nourishment, and cultural heritage, especially within Indigenous North American traditions.
Rockrose
Cistus species
Rockrose is a drought-tolerant Mediterranean shrub with delicate papery flowers that bloom profusely in spring. It symbolizes resilience, adaptability, and simple beauty.