Purple Prairie Clover

It’s always fun to learn a little bit more about Iowa’s wild prairie flowers – especially during the summer when most are in full bloom and we’re out exploring nature.

Name: Dalea purpurea (commonly known as Purple Prairie Clover)

Location: Can be found from Indiana to Montana, south in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas and New Mexico, as well as parts of eastern New York

Fun Facts

These flowers bloom in flowering wreaths from the bottom of the spiked stem upward until the whole spike is covered in bright blooms.

The vigorous taproot can be made into a tea that will reduce the fever of individuals with the measles.

This wildflower helps to correct high levels of nitrogen in soil.

Information compiled from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service