Prairie clover, Dalea species
White prarie clover, Dalea candida
The root can be eaten raw or chewed for its pleasant sweet flavour, eaten as a delicacy by children.
A tea-like beverage is made from the dried leaves.
The roots have been chewed to bring relief from the pain of toothaches etc.
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Purple prairie clover, Dalea purpureua
The root was used for chewing, it has a pleasant sweet flavour.
The dried leaves are a tea substitute.
A poultice of the steeped bruised leaves has been applied to fresh wounds.
A decoction of the leaves and blossoms has been used in the treatment of heart problems, diarrhoea.
An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of measles.
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.