Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea) is widely found in Midwestern prairies and a native perennial of Wisconsin. Standing up to three feet tall, this wildflower graces dry, sunny prairies and meadows with its vivid bloom.
Its flowers are small—less than 1/4 inch across—with five purple petals. These tiny blossoms cluster tightly together, forming a distinctive, thimble-shaped flower head that can reach up to two inches long. The plant’s foliage is equally delicate, with slender leaves composed of five to seven leaflets, each measuring between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch.
Additionally, purple prairie clover is attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. It also plays an important role in prairie restoration thanks to its deep root system and nitrogen-fixing ability, helping to enrich the soil where it grows. (July)