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The original item was published from 5/18/2023 2:38:00 PM to 6/1/2023 12:00:04 AM.

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Pollinator Awareness Month

Posted on: May 18, 2023

[ARCHIVED] Friday Forb: Purple Prairie Clover

purple prairie clover

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) is a native forb with purple cone-like flower heads that bloom in late summer. It grows in dry, well-drained soil conditions, often found in prairie ecosystems. Purple Prairie Clover has a deep tap root system and is drought-tolerant. It attracts several butterfly species, and is an important nectar source for native bees and other pollinators. Purple Prairie Clover grows to a height of 1.5-2 feet, and has delicate foliage that is host to several small butterfly and moth species. It is also part of the legume family. Legume species aid in removing nitrogen from the atmosphere, which is then ‘fixed’ to the plant, acting as a natural fertilizer when plant material decomposes.

 

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