Purple Prairie Clover

Names: Purple Prairie Clover (English); Dalea purpurea (Latin)

Habitat and Origin: Found in prairies and dry hills of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and all across the United States.

Characteristics: Perennial plant with thick stems and purple flowers in narrow dense spikes.

Edible Portion: Roots

Optimal Growing Conditions: Best grows in dry soils with lots of sun and can tolerate drought conditions.

Aboriginal Peoples Uses: The roots of the plant were chewed for a sweet flavor. Leaves were dried and used for tea. A poultice of leaves was used to cover fresh wounds. A decoction was created from leaves and blossoms to treat heart problems. Other uses of the plants include the treatment of diarrhea, measles and pneumonia.