Dense spikes of tiny purple flowers adorn 1-3' stems with linear foliage in June and July. Flowers give way to coppery legume capsules with one to two yellowish-green to brown seeds. This prairie native prefers full or part sun and a variety of moist to occasionally dry soils. It tolerates drought, dry soils, erosion, and wind. Purple prairie clover is actually a legume that improves soil conditions and provides protein for mammalian herbivores. Great for meadows, naturalized areas, borders, and drought-tolerant gardens.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 1-3' tall and 1-1/2' wide
Grows in full or part sun
Prefers moist to occasionally dry, well-drained soils, including clay, loam, and sand. Doesn't tolerate wet soils.
Individual flowers are ¼" wide with 5 purple petals and 5 protruding goldish-orange anthers.
Compound 1-3" leaves have 3-5 narrow linear leaflets with smooth margins.
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for larvae of dogface sulphur and Reakirt's blue butterflies. Offers protein-rich forage for deer, birds, and small mammals; nectar and pollen for diverse pollinators (bees, butterflies); and its nitrogen-fixing ability enriches soil for the entire ecosystem, supporting biodiversity in prairies and restorations. Its seeds and foliage provide crucial winter food, and its deep roots help stabilize soil, making it a cornerstone plant for grassland health.
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
Native Americans chewed the roots, and used the leaves and flowers for tea and remedies for wounds, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. The nutritious leaves and flowers are good for tea, and modern research explores its potential for menopause/cancer support, though pregnant/nursing women should avoid it.
Resources:
North Carolina Extension
