Santa Catalina Prairie Clover
Dalea pulchra
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Dalea
- Species:
- Dalea pulchra
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- feb, mar, apr
- Bloom Colors:
- Purple
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arizona, New Mexico
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- gravelly, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, prefers rocky slopes
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Light scarification with sandpaper on the seed coat. Further experiments recommended using more intensive physical scarification and cold stratification.
Establishment: Found in uplands commonly on rocky slopes or mountain foothills from 2500-5000 ft in southern Arizona and Mexico. It’s early flowering time makes it a beneficial plant for enhancing pollinator habitat in the region.
Source: npn.rngr.net