Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

These plants thrive in the sun, prefer well-drained soil, and should be watered every week to maintain healthy growth.

Growth Habit/Description:

Purple prairie clovers tend to grow between 30cm and 90cm tall. They have a bright purple color and long light green stems.

Bloom Season:

Purple prairie clovers typically bloom in early to mid-summer, and last about 4 to 6 weeks.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

No. Purple prairie clovers are dormant in the winter.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  Purple prairie clover does host caterpillars. They are known for providing food for the Dogface Sulfur Butterfly and  the Rekart's Blue Butterfly.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes. Purple prairie clovers are a nitrogen-fixing legumes. They convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use for growth.

Origin of Name:  The purple prairie clover's name derives from the Latin word "purpurea" meaning ""purple" in Latin.

Related Plant Species:  The purple prairie clover is a part of the legumes species and is related to the White prairie clover.

Use For Food/Medicine:

The purple prairie clovers is great for tea, which was traditionally used to treat ailments.  The leaves also have great nutritional value.

Smith, James.  c 2003.   Fayetteville (AR):   Untied States Department of Agriculture, Purple Prairie Clover [Cited 2025, Sept 8].   Available from:  PURPLE PRAIRIE CLOVER Plant Fact Sheet 

N/A, The Plant Native, Purple Prarie Clover  [Cited 2025, Sept 8].  Available from:  Purple Prairie Clover Planting Guide - The Plant Native 

N/A, The Morton Arboretum, The Champion of the Trees, Purple Prairie-Clover [Cited 2025, Sept 8].   Available from:  Purple prairie-clover | The Morton Arboretum