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Description
Dalea Foliosa, commonly known as leafy prairie clover, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to North America, specifically found in the central and western regions of the United States, and grows in dry prairies, rocky hillsides, and open woods. This plant has a taproot system and can grow up to 2 feet in height.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Dalea |
Appearance
The leaves of Dalea Foliosa are compound, with each leaflet being small, narrow, and oblong. The leaflets are about 1-2 cm long and are covered with fine hairs. The flowers of this plant are pink to light purple and are arranged in dense clusters at the tips of the stems. Each flower has five petals and a tubular calyx with five teeth. The fruit is a small, dry pod that contains one to three seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Dalea Foliosa prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought conditions. Water this plant sparingly and avoid overwatering.Fertilization: This plant doesn’t require much fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for the growth of Dalea Foliosa. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as the soil is well-drained.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Dalea Foliosa can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dalea Foliosa is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. Insects such as aphids and spider mites can sometimes infest this plant.
Habitat
Dalea Foliosa is native to the central and western regions of the United States, where it grows in dry prairies, rocky hillsides, and open woods. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types and tolerates drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Dalea Foliosa a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Dalea Foliosa is a great plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.Q: Can Dalea Foliosa grow in containers?
A: Yes, Dalea Foliosa can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s taproot system.Q: How often should I water Dalea Foliosa?
A: Water this plant sparingly, and only when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering.Q: How tall does Dalea Foliosa grow?
A: Dalea Foliosa can grow up to 2 feet in height.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dalea Foliosa:
- Dalea Purpurea
- Dalea Candida
- Dalea Aurea
- Dalea Lutea
References
- USDA Plants Database, Dalea Foliosa, https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DAFO
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Dalea Foliosa, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f835
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dalea Foliosa, https://www.wisc.edu/extension/wildlife/gardening/documents/Daleafoliosa.pdf
