Dalea pinnata (J.F. Gmel.) Barneby var. trifoliata (Chapm.) Barneby

Trifoliate Summer Farewell; Tansy Prairie Clover

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Farewell to Summer is a native herbaceous perennial in the Bean family (Fabaceae). It can be found in the southern third of Alabama. Farewell to Summer occurs in xeric Longleaf pine woods, in scrub oak woods, and in sandhills. It is a perennial with a tap root. There are usually several stems from a root crown. The stems are from 1-3 feet in height. The stems are glabrous and green or reddish in color. Leaves are alternate, odd pinnately dissected, and glandular punctate. The leaflets are linear. Plants in Alabama have three leaflets and belong to var. trifoliata (Chapman) Barneby. Flowers are produced in head-like spikes that are arranged in terminal corymbs. The bracts subtending the flowers are large, ovate in outline, reddish-brown in color, with ciliate margins. The flowers are white. The fruit is a legume enclosed in the densely pubescent calyx tube, giving it a feathery appearance. Farewell to Summer is occasionally available from wildflower nurseries, especially those in Florida. It is drought tolerant, and equally attractive in flower or fruit. Plants prefer a well-draining sandy soil in full sun. Plants can also be grown from seed.--A. Diamond

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Native

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