How much sun does Silky Prairie-clover need?

Silky Prairie-clover grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Silky Prairie-clover bloom?

Silky Prairie-clover blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Silky Prairie-clover native?

Silky Prairie-clover (Dalea villosa) is native to AR, CO, IA, KS and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Silky Prairie-clover attract?

Silky Prairie-clover draws bees.

Is Silky Prairie-clover HOA-friendly?

Silky Prairie-clover is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Silky Prairie-clover

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dalea villosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Silky Prairie-clover (Dalea villosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 8"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, CO, IA, KS and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area

Silky prairie-clover is a compact native perennial with silvery-green foliage and small, cylindrical purple flower spikes that appear in summer. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat, low mounds and requires minimal care once established. The flowers attract numerous beneficial insects throughout the blooming season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Silky 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 completely dormant in winter leaving bare stems

Wildlife value

This plant is particularly valuable for native bees, which rely on its protein-rich pollen. The extended bloom period provides consistent nectar from June through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Silky Prairie-clover need?: Silky Prairie-clover grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Silky Prairie-clover bloom?: Silky Prairie-clover blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Silky Prairie-clover native?: Silky Prairie-clover (Dalea villosa) is native to AR, CO, IA, KS and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Silky Prairie-clover attract?: Silky Prairie-clover draws bees.
Is Silky Prairie-clover HOA-friendly?: Silky Prairie-clover is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Silky Prairie-clover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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