Dalea gattingeri aka Purpletassels

Dalea gattingeri is a scented perennial in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its common names include Gattinger's prairie clover and purpletassels. It comes from the southeastern United States. Its main home lies in the cedar glades of middle Tennessee. Smaller populations occur in Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, and Missouri. There it grows on dry, rocky ground over limestone. These open glades provide the conditions it favours in gardens.

The plant stays low, with branches that trail across the ground. It reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres] in height. Its branches usually spread 1–1.7 feet [0.3–0.51 metres] wide. Listed garden dimensions extend to 2 feet [0.61 metres] across. Leaves grow alternately along the stems and have a pinnate form. Each leaf reaches about 0.25 feet [0.076 metres] long. Most have five to seven narrow leaflets, though some have nine. The leaflets have rolled edges and reach 0.063 feet [0.019 metres] long.

Small, deep purple flowers give the plant its summer colour. Bloom runs from July through September. Each flower measures up to 0.042 feet [0.013 metres] across. The flowers draw butterflies and provide a showy garden display. Its low form suits the front edge of a border. Rock gardens offer another place for this spreading plant. It also fits native plant beds, prairie plantings, and wild gardens. Gardeners can use it in areas managed for natural growth.

Grow it in full sun and soil that drains well. It prefers sandy ground with a moderate level of fertility. Soil moisture can range from dry to moderately moist. It withstands drought, dry soil, and shallow, stony ground. Limestone glades suit it well. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 6–8. The plant needs little upkeep and is easy to grow. Serious pest and disease troubles are not usual, though rust can occur.

Plants For A Future records roots as a food chewed directly. It also reports dried leaves used for a tea-like drink. That source lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for every person or pet. It also identifies the plant as a nitrogen fixer. For propagation, soak seeds in warm water for twelve hours. Sow them in a greenhouse in early spring. Move seedlings into separate pots, then plant them outside in summer.