Dalea gattingeri

(A.A.Heller.) Barneby

Purple Prairie Clover

Fabaceae Edible: Root, Leaves - tea 745 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Dalea gattingeri, commonly called purpletassels or Gattinger prairie clover, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family. It is native to the Southeastern United States, where it is restricted to limestone cedar glades of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and Arkansas. Its populations are widely dispersed and geographically small, with most populations being found in the Nashville Basin. It is a perennial that produces purple flowers in the summer. It has been shown to have alleopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby species Minuartia patula.

Description

A perennial reaching 0.4 m tall, flowering in July. Hermaphroditic; fixes nitrogen. Suited to light sandy and medium loamy well-drained soils with mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun; tolerates dry or moist soil and drought.

Edible Uses

The root can be chewed, and a tea-like beverage is made from the dried leaves.

Traditional Uses

The root is eaten raw or chewed.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No medicinal uses are known for this plant.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Propagation

Pre-soak seed for 12 hours in warm water, then sow in early spring in a greenhouse. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out into permanent positions in summer.

Other Uses

No other uses are known for this plant.

Synonyms

Petalostemon gattingeri (A. Heller) A. Heller

Also Known As

Purple tassels

References (2)

Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 33
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/ (As Petalostemon gattingeri)