Approximate seeds per pound: 292,000
Seeding rate: 8 pounds per acre
Height: Up to 3 ft.
Flower Color: Purple
Plant Type: Perennial. Returns each spring from same roots, forming expanding clump. Blooms second spring from seed.
Flower Type: Clover
Bloom Time: Mid and late season
Is this wildflower invasive? No
Is this wildflower endangered? No
Is this wildflower edible? Forage
Is this wildflower medicinal? Yes
Regions: Native to plains regions, but can be grown in all regions.
Zones: 6 - 9
Soil preference: Adaptable
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Moisture Requirements: Average to dry
Germination: 14 - 30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 65F - 70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"

A common perennial of dry prairies with slender stems, growing about 2 feet tall and often in patches. The flowers at the bottom of the spike bloom first, forming a wreath that climbs the spike as blooming progresses.

Purple prairie clover is likely good forage for livestock as the plant decreases greatly in abundance under even moderate grazing intensity. Native Americans made tea from the leaves of purple prairieclover and used the roots for chewing. Amerindians in the western United States used other Daleas to dye skins and for remedies for coughs and colds. Others were used by the Kiowa because the tough, slender stems, tipped with cactus thorns, made good arrows for small game.