Purple prairie clover, Dalea purpurea
 
Despite its dainty appearance, purple prairie clover is, as a legume, a nitrogen-fixer and a pollinator powerhouse. Its thimble-shaped purple flowers bloom from June to August, blooming from bottom to top. Purple prairie clover grows 60 cm tall in clumps with a deep taproot for drought tolerance.
 
Ecology:
Purple prairie clover is a favourite of many pollinators, including long- and short-tongued bees, syrphid flies and soldier beetles, which are both excellent for natural pest control. It is a host plant for the Southern Dogface butterfly. It's pollen, supports pollen specialist bees, and has a bright orange colour due to an oily coating. Unfortunately, the leaves are a favourite for rabbits and need to be protected until established.Birds and small mammals consume its seeds.
 
Growing conditions:
Purple prairie clover is a native perennial legume; it fixes nitrogen in the soil to fertilize itself and surrounding plants.