Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant sweet flavour. — The root was used for chewing.; A pleasant sweet flavour.; The dried leaves are a tea substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry desert and alluvial soils to 2000 metres. Sandy prairies in Texas. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)