Overview
Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner is a flowering perennial herb that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the "Small Prairie Clover" or "Prairie Dalea". It is found in the central and southern regions of the United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The plant has been used for medicinal and ornamental purposes.Appearance
The Small Prairie Clover plant is small, growing up to 1-2 feet in height. It has a woody base and multiple stems with downy, grayish-green leaves and round flower heads. The flowers are small and have a light purple to pink color, blooms from May to November, and attracts butterflies and bees.Uses
The Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla has many uses. Native American tribes used the roots and leaves of the plant for medicinal purposes to cure diarrhea, cough, and fever. It is also commonly used in the landscaping industry, particularly in xeriscaping, due to its drought-tolerant and low-maintenance nature. Furthermore, the plant attracts pollinators and wildlife to the garden and can serve as a useful cover crop to prevent soil erosion. In summary, Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner is a small perennial herb, commonly known as the "Small Prairie Clover" or "Prairie Dalea". The plant has a woody base, grayish-green leaves, and light pink or purple flowers. It serves multiple purposes such as medicinal purposes, landscaping, and wildlife support.Light Requirements
The plant Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner typically requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. It thrives in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In shaded or low-light areas, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner can tolerate a range of temperatures, from 25°F (-4°C) to 110°F (43°C). However, it prefers warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 60°F (15°C) and 90°F (32°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner prefers well-drained soils with moderate fertility. It can tolerate soils with a pH range of 6 to 8. The plant is known to be drought-tolerant, but regular watering can help it grow healthier. Waterlogged or poorly-drained soils can cause root rot and stunt the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner is a native plant that thrives in well-drained soil. It prefers a sunny location and can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought conditions. This plant can spread quickly, so it's best to plant it in an area where it has enough space to grow. It's advisable to prepare the soil before planting by mixing in compost or organic fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
Watering Needs
Due to its natural tolerance to drought conditions, Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner does not require frequent watering. Nevertheless, its water demands increase during dry seasons or when planted in containers that tend to dry out faster. Watering should be done in the early morning or late in the evening, aiming to keep the soil moist, not soaked.
Fertilization
Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner doesn't need regular fertilization, especially if the soil is rich in organic matter and nutrients. However, for optimal growth and flowering, you can add a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year. It's recommended to apply the fertilizer in early spring, before the new growth appears, and again in late summer to early fall to prepare the plant for the winter season.
Pruning
Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner doesn't require pruning unless you want to maintain a certain shape or size. If pruning is desired, it should be done in either the late fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. Start by removing dead or diseased wood then cut back old, weak stems to promote thicker and more robust growth. However, avoid severe pruning as it may damage the plant and reduce its drought tolerance.
Propagation of Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner
Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner, commonly known as "Small prairie clover," is a native plant of the United States. It is a hardy plant that is drought resistant and easy to grow. It is highly valued for its attractive foliage and colorful blooms, making it a popular choice for both landscaping and natural area restoration. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner. The seeds should be collected in the fall when the seed pods have dried and turned brown. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors in a seed tray. Germination typically occurs within 7-10 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner can also be done through cuttings. Spring is the best time to take cuttings from the plant. Select healthy stems with a length of at least 6 inches. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist soil or a rooting medium and keep it in a warm and humid environment until the roots develop.
Division Propagation
Division propagation can be done to propagate mature plants of Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla (Shinners) B.L. Turner. In the spring, dig up the entire plant and divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has enough roots and foliage to survive. Replant each division at the same depth as the original plant and water well.
Disease Management
Dalea enneandra Nutt. var. pumilla, commonly known as bush dalea, is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it is not entirely immune to certain plant diseases that can affect its health. One of the most common diseases that can affect bush dalea is root rot caused by fungi such as Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia. These fungi thrive in soil that is wet for long periods and cause the plant's roots to decay, leading to stunted growth and eventually death.
To manage root rot disease, it is necessary to prevent overwatering and ensure proper drainage. If the disease has already set in, remove the affected plants and dispose of them to prevent further spread of the disease. Fungicides such as trifloxystrobin and azoxystrobin can also be applied to the soil to kill the fungi causing the root rot disease.
Pest Management
Bush dalea is generally a hardy plant that is not heavily infested by pests. However, there are still a few pests that can cause damage to the plant. One such pest is the spider mite, which feeds on the sap of the plant and causes the leaves to become yellow and wither. The spider mite population can grow rapidly, leading to severe defoliation of the plant if not controlled early.
To manage spider mite infestations, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly and detect the infestation early. Use of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be an effective way to control spider mites. It is also important to maintain proper plant hygiene and remove any damaged or diseased plant parts to prevent the spread of the infestation.
Another pest that can attack bush dalea is the aphid, which feeds on the plant sap and excretes a sticky substance leading to the growth of black sooty mold. The aphid infestation can cause severe damage to the plant if left uncontrolled.
To manage aphid infestations, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control the population. Additionally, encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids, in the garden to help manage the infestation. As with spider mites, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and remove any damaged or diseased plant parts to prevent the spread of the infestation.
