Golden Prairie-clover
Dalea aurea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Dalea aurea (Golden Prairie-clover) is a drought-tolerant native forb blooming yellow flowers from June through August across the Great Plains and Southwest, attracting bees and butterflies.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CO, KS, NE and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Golden prairie-clover is a compact native perennial that forms neat, low mounds of fine-textured foliage. It produces cheerful golden-yellow flower spikes from June through August, creating bright color during the summer months. This drought-tolerant plant maintains a tidy appearance and works well in both formal and naturalistic landscapes.
Growing Golden Prairie-clover
Grow Golden Prairie-clover in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Golden Prairie-clover is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes dormant in winter leaving bare stems
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers are magnets for native bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. This plant is particularly valuable for supporting smaller native bee species that prefer the clustered flower structure.
Common questions
- When does Golden Prairie-clover bloom?
- Dalea aurea blooms from June through August, producing bright yellow flower clusters that attract pollinators during the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Golden Prairie-clover?
- Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Dalea aurea, visiting the yellow flower spikes for nectar throughout the blooming season.
- Where is Golden Prairie-clover native?
- Golden Prairie-clover is native to the Great Plains and southwestern United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Dalea aurea prefer?
- Golden Prairie-clover thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-suited to drought-prone prairie and desert environments.
- Is Golden Prairie-clover HOA-friendly?
- Golden Prairie-clover is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Golden Prairie-clover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz