Contents
Description
Dalea Frutescens, commonly known as Black Dalea or Black Prairie Clover, is a flowering evergreen shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This native plant in the United States is a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance shrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.The Black Dalea has a unique, upright growth habit that makes it an excellent choice for border planting, rock gardens, and containers. It blooms from May to October and produces beautiful, small, black-purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Dalea |
Appearance
The Black Dalea has a dense, twiggy, and upright growth habit that provides excellent structure and texture to any landscape. Its leaves are small, evergreen, and alternate, with a gray-green color that complements the dark flowers.The shrub’s flowers form in clusters at the end of the branches, with a diameter of about 1/3 inch. Its petals are black-purple, and its sepals are green. The flowers give way to seed pods that are flattened and curved, with a length of up to 1 inch.
Care Guide
The Black Dalea is a low-maintenance shrub that thrives in well-drained soils and full sun exposure. Here are some care tips to keep your Dalea Frutescens healthy:
Water: The Black Dalea is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilization: The shrub does not require fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.
Soil: The Black Dalea prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay. Make sure the soil is not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Sunlight: The shrub thrives in full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade in hot climates.
Hardiness Zones: The Black Dalea is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Black Dalea is relatively pest-free but can suffer from root rot if the soil is too wet. It can also attract spider mites and leaf spot if grown in humid conditions.
Habitat
The Black Dalea is native to the Great Plains and can be found in prairies, meadows, and rocky slopes. It is an important plant for soil conservation and wildlife habitat, as it provides food and shelter for birds and other animals.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Dalea Frutescens in a container?
A: Yes, the Black Dalea is an excellent choice for container planting, as long as you provide well-drained soil and adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should I water my Black Dalea?
A: The shrub is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Water deeply once a week during the growing season.
Q: Does the Black Dalea attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the shrub’s black-purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: When should I prune my Dalea Frutescens?
A: Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and encourage new growth.
Related Plants
- Dalea Candida (White Prairie Clover)
- Dalea Purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover)
- Dalea Glaucophylla (Sierra Prairie Clover)
References
- “Dalea Frutescens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 June 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=288856&isprofile=0&>
- “Dalea Frutescens.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 21 June 2021. <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DAFR>
- “Black Dalea.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Accessed 21 June 2021. <https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/daleafrutescens.htm>
