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Summary

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Petalostemon violaceum. Michx.

Plant 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].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
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].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Broom

The tough, elastic stems have been made into brooms[257].

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained soil in full sun[200]. A deep-rooted plant, it prefers a sandy loam with added leaf mould[1]. This species is well-suited to informal and naturalistic plantings, especially as part of a collection of native species[200]. Plants are monocarpic, living for a number of years without flowering and then dying after flowering[200]. The stems, leaves and flowers are dotted with glands, making the plant look blistered[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and sow in early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba (south)), United States (Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Alabama (west), Arkansas, Kentucky (Nelson Co.), Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, New Mexico, Texas)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Dalea candida	White Prairie Clover	Perennial	0.7	-	LM	N	DM	3	1
Dalea candida oligophylla	White Prairie Clover	Perennial	0.7	-	LM	N	DM	3	1	1
Dalea gattingeri	Purpletassels	Perennial	0.4	0-0	LM	N	DM	2	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Dalea purpurea - Vent.