Identification
This native perennial usually has several slender, erect 1-3 foot stems (D). The alternate leaves are divided into 3-9 (most often 5) narrow leaflets up to 1inch long and 1/8th inch wide (C). Flowers occur in dense cylindrical spikes 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long at the tops of the stems and branches (A). Individual flowers are tiny, but the densely packed rose to red-violet flowers with their protruding yellow stamens produce an impressive and changing display as the ring of encircling blossoms proceeds from base to tip of the column (B). The brown cylindrical seed heads persist long after flowering has ended (E).
Grows on dry to moist prairie sites, flowering in June and July. At Neale Woods, it is common most of the prairie restorations. There have been no recent sightings at Fontenelle Forest since the flood of 2011 which inundated the floodplain prairie plantings.
This is a distinctive plant with rose to red-violet flowers with yellow stamens not likely to be confused with any other when in flower. When not flowering it looks very much like White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida). Look for the leafier stems and narrower leaflets of Purple Prairie Clover.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.