ARS | Publication request: Plant Fact Sheet: Western Prairie Clover [Dalea Ornata (Douglas) Eaton & Wright]

Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: November 18, 2009
Publication Date: November 30, 2009
Repository URL: http://media.archimedes.nal.usda.gov/frrl/documents/Western_Prairie_Clover_Fact_Sheet.pdf
Citation: Scheinost, P., Johnson, D.A., Cane, J.H. 2009. Plant Fact Sheet: Western Prairie Clover [Dalea Ornata (Douglas) Eaton & Wright]. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. Pullman Plant Materials Center. Pullman, WA.

Interpretive Summary: Western prairie clover (Dalea ornata) is a perennial, insect-pollinated forb that is non-toxic to livestock and wildlife. It is found in five western states (Idaho, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and California) and has a relatively upright growth habit, which makes it a good candidate for commercial seed production. Western prairie clover is beneficial as a component in rangeland conservation plantings to enhance biodiversity, provide a food source for birds and wildlife, and as a biological-nitrogen fixer. It also holds promise for use in habitat enhancement programs for native pollinators and in the beautification of roadsides, rest areas, and parks.

Technical Abstract: Dalea L. is a widespread genus of the legume family (Fabaceae), which is comprised of 62 species of prairie clovers in North America. Western prairie clover [Dalea ornata (Douglas) Eaton & Wright] is a perennial, insect-pollinated legume that is non-toxic and palatable to herbivores. It occures in five western states (Idaho, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and California) and has a relatively upright growth habit, which makes it a good candidate for commercial seed production. Western prairie clover can be used as a component in conservation plantings to enhance biodiversity, provide a food source for birds and wildlife, and as a biological-nitrogen fixer. It also holds promise for use in habitat enhancement programs for native pollinators and in the beautification of roadsides, rest areas, and parks.