Dalea purpurea Fabaceae
Common name: Purple Prairie Clover
![Dalea pupurea](https://echinaceaproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_0009-Version-2-388x500.jpg)
Spike
About this species:
Dalea purpurea is a perennial legume, it has a taproot, and its many florets and form a spike. Flowering occurs from June through August and is native to central North America. Seeds are produced in bract-enclosed pods on the spike, with each spike producing around 150-250 seeds (Cane 2006).
Our interest in this species stems from its membership in the Fabaceae (legume) family, and its associated role in prairie community ecology.
- Pollinators. The main visitors are a diverse group of bees.
- Breeding system. Outcrossing with partial self-compatibility.
- Flowering phenology. Flowering generally occurs between June an August with florets toward the bottom of the spike emerging first, then progressing further up the spike.
![D.pupureaStyleBent](https://echinaceaproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/D.pupureaStigmaBent-500x375.jpg)
Floret
The USDA plant profile page for Dalea purpurea.
Team-members who have conducted research on this species: Amber Eule-Nashoba