Purple Prairie Clover

Dalea purpurea

Physical Characteristics

Dalea purpurea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Tea The root was used for chewing[183]. A pleasant sweet flavour[257]. The dried leaves are a tea substitute[183, 257].

Medicinal Uses

Cardiac Poultice A poultice of the steeped bruised leaves has been applied to fresh wounds[257]. A decoction of the leaves and blossoms has been used in the treatment of heart problems, diarrhoea[257]. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of measles[257].

Known Hazards

None known