Dalea Ornata

Description

Dalea Ornata, commonly known as Showy Prairie Clover or Ornate Prairie Clover, is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to the Great Plains of North America and can be found in dry prairies, meadows, and open woods. This perennial plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, with a deep taproot system that helps it tolerate drought and nutrient-poor soil. It blooms from mid-summer to fall, producing spikes of pinkish-purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Dalea Ornata has a bushy, clump-forming habit with multiple stems that grow from a woody base. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 11-25 small leaflets that are oblong or elliptic in shape and have a gray-green color. The flowers are arranged in dense spikes that can reach up to 6 inches long and are composed of numerous small florets. Each floret has a tubular shape with five petals that are fused at the base and a long stamen that extends beyond the petals. The flowers are pinkish-purple in color and have a sweet fragrance.

Care Guide

Dalea Ornata is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in various growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

• Water: This plant is drought-tolerant but still requires regular watering during the first growing season to establish its root system. After that, it can withstand periods of dryness and only needs occasional watering.
• Fertilization: Dalea Ornata does not require much fertilization but can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
• Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but does not like wet soil.
• Sunlight: Dalea Ornata prefers full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Dalea Ornata is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common problems like:

• Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes dark spots on the leaves and can be prevented by removing infected leaves and improving air circulation.
• Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformation. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.

Habitat

Dalea Ornata is native to the Great Plains of North America, where it can be found in dry prairies, meadows, and open woods. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure but can also tolerate partial shade. This plant is an important component of prairie ecosystems, providing food and habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Question and Answer

• Q: Can Dalea Ornata be grown in containers?
• A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-draining.
• Q: Are there any other colors of Dalea Ornata?
• A: No, this plant only produces pinkish-purple flowers.
• Q: Can Dalea Ornata be used for erosion control?
• A: Yes, this plant has a deep taproot system that helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
• Q: Is Dalea Ornata edible?
• A: No, this plant is not edible and can be toxic if ingested.

Related Plants

• Dalea Candida: White prairie clover
• Dalea Purpurea: Purple prairie clover
• Dalea Lutescens: Yellow prairie clover

References

• “Dalea Ornata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277501&isprofile=0&
• “Dalea Ornata.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=daor2
• “Dalea Ornata.” Plant Database. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/prairie-clover/prairie-clover-plant-care.htm