Skip to main content

Woolly Dalea

Dalea lanata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Woolly Dalea (Dalea lanata)
Photo: JerryFriedman / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Woolly Dalea (Dalea lanata) 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

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, AZ, CO, KS and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Woolly dalea is a compact native shrub with silvery-green foliage and small purple flower spikes that bloom from late spring through summer. This drought-tolerant plant forms a neat, rounded mound that requires minimal care once established. The soft, woolly texture of its leaves gives it an attractive silver appearance year-round.

In an HOA neighborhood

Woolly Dalea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This native legume is excellent for supporting native bees and attracts various butterfly species during its long bloom period. The flowers provide nectar while the plant also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Woolly Dalea need?
Woolly Dalea grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Woolly Dalea bloom?
Woolly Dalea blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Woolly Dalea native?
Woolly Dalea (Dalea lanata) is native to AR, AZ, CO, KS and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Woolly Dalea attract?
Woolly Dalea draws bees and butterflies.
Is Woolly Dalea HOA-friendly?
Woolly Dalea 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.

Ready to grow Woolly Dalea? 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