Purple Prairie Clover
Dalea purpurea
Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 in tall and 18 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water24 in tall and 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: "Dalea purpurea" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Dalea purpurea" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: Courtney Celley/USFWS, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
- Photo 4: "Dalea purpurea" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 5: Eric Hunt
- Photo 6: "Dalea purpurea" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24 in tall and 18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer
- Bloom color
- purple, pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Purple Prairie Clover good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Purple Prairie Clover is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Purple Prairie Clover get?
- It matures to about 24 in tall and 18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Purple Prairie Clover?
- Space Purple Prairie Clover about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Purple Prairie Clover hardy on the Front Range?
- Purple Prairie Clover is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Purple Prairie Clover need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Purple Prairie Clover native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Purple Prairie Clover deer-resistant?
- Purple Prairie Clover is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Purple Prairie Clover a good firewise plant near the house?
- Purple Prairie Clover is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Purple Prairie Clover bloom?
- Purple Prairie Clover blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
