Audubon® Native Purple Prairie Clover

Cute and charismatic! Purple Prairie Clover (say that five times fast) is a perky native Spirit that will win you over with its offbeat good looks. It turns on the charm in early summer, when the purple-pink flowers rise up from the finely dissected foliage. The bloom buds are held in long gray cones, and the tiny florets open in a ring, progressing from the bottom to the top. Native bees of all types come to gather Purple Prairie Clover’s golden-orange pollen, and small butterflies come to sip its nectar. Later, songbirds arrive for the seed. A fun plant for meadows and mixed borders.

Purple Prairie Clover is a denizen of the Great Plains and prairie states, where the land has not been developed or overgrazed. It’s a sun-loving species that’s well adapted to fire. When fire strikes, it clears away trees and shrubs that would otherwise begin to shade out Purple Prairie Clover, and the plant survives the onslaught by virtue of its deep (to six feet) taproot. In the wild, its high-protein foliage is choice fodder for pronghorn antelope, and its flowers are vital to a few species of specialist bees that rely on its pollen.

One interesting insect that uses Purple Prairie Clover as a host plant is the Southern Dogface butterfly. This sweet yellow and black butterfly gets it name from the pattern on the upper side of its wings, which looks like a dog’s head in profile.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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