Purple Prairie-clover
Dalea purpurea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Purple Prairie-clover is a drought-tolerant native wildflower blooming from June through August across the Great Plains and much of the central United States. This purple-flowered forb attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles in prairies and grasslands.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Purple Prairie-clover as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AZ, CO, GA and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Purple prairie-clover is a compact native wildflower with distinctive cylindrical purple flower heads that bloom from June through August. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps with fine-textured foliage and reaches 1-3 feet tall. It requires minimal care once established and thrives in full sun with little watering.
Growing Purple Prairie-clover
Grow Purple Prairie-clover in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Purple 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.
- Dies back completely in winter
Wildlife value
The unique cylindrical flowers are excellent for native bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the summer months. This plant is particularly valuable for supporting specialist prairie pollinators.
Common questions
- When does Purple Prairie-clover bloom?
- Purple Prairie-clover blooms from June through August, producing distinctive purple flower spikes that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Purple Prairie-clover?
- Purple Prairie-clover attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles. The dense flower spikes provide an excellent nectar source for these important pollinators.
- Where is Purple Prairie-clover native?
- Purple Prairie-clover is native to much of the central United States, including the Great Plains states and extending from Montana and Wyoming south to Texas and east to states like Illinois, Michigan, and Georgia.
- What growing conditions does Purple Prairie-clover prefer?
- Purple Prairie-clover thrives in full sun and tolerates drought conditions well, making it an excellent choice for low-water native plant gardens and prairie restorations.
- Is Purple Prairie-clover toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Purple Prairie-clover as toxic to livestock.
- Is Purple Prairie-clover HOA-friendly?
- Purple 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 Purple 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