Silky Prairie Clover

Dalea villosa

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Dalea
Species:
Dalea villosa
USDA Symbol:
DAVI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Black and gold bumble bee (Bombus auricomus), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Southern plains bumble bee (Bombus fraternus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from deep taproot following fire; typical of sand prairie species that benefit from periodic burning.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
adapted to sandy prairies and dunes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Light may benefit germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI