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Black Dalea, Black Prairie Clover
Dalea frutescens

A somewhat airy rounded to mounding shrub with fine-textured, fern-like, medium gray-green leaves. Small clusters of purple, pea-like flowers cover the plant from late summer into autumn. Attracts bees and butterflies. Does best in full sun, but will accept some shade. Prefers unamended, well-drained soils. Becomes leggy and flowers less if overwatered. Tends to keep some of its foliage in winter in our area. Shear back in late winter or early spring to renew and encourage dense growth. A good contrast to often yellow flowering desert plants. The trademarked cultivar �Sierra Negra� has intensely colored rose-purple flowers.

  • Plant type: Shrub
  • Maintenance level: Low
  • Water requirement: Low
  • Sun exposure: Full, Part Sun, Reflected Heat
  • Height range: 3–5 Feet
  • Width range: 4–6 Feet
  • Canopy value: 20 ft²
  • Growth rate: Medium
  • Seasonal habit: Semi-Evergreen, Semi-Deciduous
  • Flower color: Purple
  • Flower season: Summer, Autumn
  • General foliage color: Grey, Green
  • Design style: Pool Friendly, Butterflies
  • Hardiness cold tolerance: -10 °F
  • Soil preference: Sand, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry
  • Native location: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and northern Mexico
  • PH preference: Not Particular
  • Sunset zones: 10, 11, 12, 13
  • USDA hardiness zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

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