Black Dalea
(Dalea frutescens)
Black Dalea (Dalea frutescens)
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Evan M. Raskin
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Evan M. Raskin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Evan M. Raskin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Evan M. Raskin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-10-10T10:13:13-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dalea frutescens, commonly known as Black Dalea or Black Prairie Clover, is a deciduous subshrub or shrub native to the rocky slopes, grasslands, and open woodlands of the South-Central United States and Northern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 2 feet (0.6 meters) and a width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters). Black Dalea has a compact, rounded form with fine-textured, green foliage that provides a backdrop for the vibrant purple flowers that bloom in summer and fall. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Black Dalea is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in rock gardens, as a border plant, or for erosion control on slopes. This plant prefers full sun exposure and requires well-drained soil. It is generally low-maintenance, but it is important to avoid overwatering. There are no major disease or pest issues, although it can be sensitive to root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. Black Dalea is not known to be invasive and is a beneficial addition to gardens seeking to support native pollinators.CC BY-SA 4.0
Black Dalea is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used in rock gardens, as a border plant, or for erosion control on slopes. This plant prefers full sun exposure and requires well-drained soil. It is generally low-maintenance, but it is important to avoid overwatering. There are no major disease or pest issues, although it can be sensitive to root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. Black Dalea is not known to be invasive and is a beneficial addition to gardens seeking to support native pollinators.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid, Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Rocky slopes, grasslands, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Black Dalea
Scientific Names: Dalea frutescens , Dalea frutescens var. laxa , Parosela frutescens , Parosela frutescens var. laxa , Parosela laxa , Dalea laxa
GBIF Accepted Name: Dalea frutescens A.Gray