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. Pollinator nectar source, 
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
The leaves are used for making tea and medicines, and the roots are palatable when chewed.
 
Resources:
North Carolina Extension: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dalea-purpurea/