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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #253200
Title: Plant Fact Sheet: Western Prairie Clover [Dalea Ornata (Douglas) Eaton & Wright]

Author
item SCHEINOST, PAMELA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)
item Johnson, Douglas
item Cane, James

Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/18/2009
Publication Date: 11/30/2009
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.