Black Prairie Clover

Dalea frutescens, Fabaceae

Zones

4–8

Layer

Shrub

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerPollinator AttractorBeneficial Insect Habitat

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)

Water

Low (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

6.5 – 8.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

False BonesetBrickellia eupatorioides

Nitrogen Fixation

Fox-tail MilkvetchAstragalus alopecuroides

Nitrogen FixationWind ProtectionBeneficial Insect Habitat

Roundleaf CassiaChamaecrista rotundifolia

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect HabitatWind Protection

Foxtail Prairie CloverDalea leporina

Nitrogen FixationPollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

Splitbeard BluestemAndropogon ternarius

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Threadleaf SnakeweedGutierrezia microcephala

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Antagonistic Plants

Boer LovegrassEragrostis chloromelas

Dense grass growth competes intensely with prairie legumes for water and nutrients in similar soil zones

Blue Mountain Prairie CloverDalea ornata

Congeneric prairie clovers compete for nitrogen fixation sites and root space, with potential allelopathic interference

Velvet BundleflowerDesmanthus velutinus

Legume species may compete for rhizobial partners and produce compounds affecting other legumes

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationPollinator SupportPrairie RestorationDrought ToleranceDeep Soil Penetration

Common Questions

What zones does Black Prairie Clover grow in?

Black Prairie Clover grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8.

Is Black Prairie Clover a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Black Prairie Clover is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Black Prairie Clover?

Good companions for Black Prairie Clover include False Boneset, Fox-tail Milkvetch, Roundleaf Cassia, Foxtail Prairie Clover, Splitbeard Bluestem.

Design guilds with Black Prairie Clover and see companion relationships visually.

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