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Native Plant Society of Texas

Black Dalea

Dalea frutescens

Other common name(s):

Black Prairie Clover

Family:

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau, Southern Texas Plains, Southwestern Tablelands
Limestone Plains, Red Prairie
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Clay, Gravelly, Limestone, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Forage, Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Butterflies, Small Mammals, Nectar Insects, Bees

Maintenance

Native to dry, scrubby, limestone hills. Once established, this plant requires little or no maintenance and becomes drought tolerant. Can be cut back in winter, once leaves have browned, to create compact shape if desired. If overwatered and fertilized can become leggy, produce weak growth, and reduce flowering. A good mounding shrub for mass planting. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms July-October. A mounding shrub with delicate, compound leaves divided into tiny leaflets. Small, purple, flowers form dense heads at the ends of branches. The fruit is a small legume pod. Larval host: Dogface Butterfly
Previous Scientific Name(s): Dalea frutescens var. laxa

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants Landscaping Region by Region, 1991, pg. 239. 3) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DAFR2. 4) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=10898&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 5) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=26617#null, 6) Native and Adapted Landscape Plants, City of Austin and Texas A&M, 2014, 7) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Dalea+frutescens&formsubmit=Search+Terms

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Fresh seeds need a scarification process. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften their hard outer shell, which improves germination rates. Fill seed trays or pots with a well-draining seed starting mix. Sow the seeds 1/8 inch deep and cover them lightly with soil. The growing period needs continuously moist conditions to produce robust root systems. Moisten the soil gently with a fine spray, and keep it consistently damp but not waterlogged until germination occurs, usually within 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are strong enough to handle, transplant them into a sunny location with well-draining soil, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. Choose healthy, viable seeds from a reputable source to ensure they are disease-free and capable of germination. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Dalea_lasiathera.html 2) https://legacylandscaper.com/black-dalea-dalea-frutescens/#:~:text=Propagates%20by%20seeds%20and%20occasionally,resistant%20to%20deer%20herbivore%20consumption.
Softwood Cutting A rooting hormone treatment increases the likelihood of successful propagation for cuttings. Plants that become well-established have good resistance to dry conditions while needing very little care. Plants positioned in sunny areas with light, sandy, or rocky soil conditions develop into healthy specimens. Cuttings made from softwood during early spring or summer seasons. https://legacylandscaper.com/black-dalea-dalea-frutescens/#:~:text=Propagates%20by%20seeds%20and%20occasionally,resistant%20to%20deer%20herbivore%20consumption.
Clump Division The process of dividing mature plants works provided that each portion contains solid root development. The right spacing between plants creates ventilation that minimizes disease risks. https://legacylandscaper.com/black-dalea-dalea-frutescens/#:~:text=Propagates%20by%20seeds%20and%20occasionally,resistant%20to%20deer%20herbivore%20consumption.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason