Purple Prairie Clover

Botanical Name: Dalea purpurea

Anishanaabe Name: baasibagak

Height: about 40 cm

Season of bloom: July.

Growing Conditions: Full sun. Well-drained soil.

Wildlife benefits: Like other plants in the Pea family, the roots increase soil fertility. Flowers are pollinated by small wild bees which have specialized in pushing their way into the closed flowers of plants in the Pea family.

From Ottawa Valley or eastern Ontario sources: No.

Remarks: Very tightly clumping – open-grown plants form an attractive symmetrical vase shape. Will not spread in gardens. Although not locally native, this is a colourful, well-behaved choice for adding nitrogen fertility to prairie and meadow-style gardens.

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