Dalea mollis
Hairy prairie clover
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Dalea mollis (Hairy prairie clover) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by annual habit and corolla >= calyx.
Hairy prairie clover is a California native annual found in the desert bioregions in creosote-bush flats, washes, and roadsides at elevations below 800 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces white to lavender flowers in compact ovoid clusters 8 to 15 millimeters wide. Growing as a low-spreading mat with multiple stems less than 10 centimeters tall, it forms delicate ground-hugging patches. Its leaves are divided into 8 to 12 small, rounded to oblong leaflets, each 3 to 7 millimeters long, appearing soft and slightly folded. The plant is characterized by its shaggy, needle-like calyx lobes and densely hairy stems, giving it a fuzzy, delicate appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by annual habit and corolla >= calyx
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Creosote-bush flats, washes, roadsides
Elevation: < 800 m
California counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Imperial, Los Angeles, San Diego
Outside California: to Arizona, Mexico
Bloom period
Dalea mollis blooms Mar-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Astragalus: Dalea has gland-dotted sticky stems; Astragalus stems are smooth or hairy but not glandular.; vs Stillingia: Dalea has pea flowers in spikes; Stillingia has tiny flowers without pea structure.; vs Psorothamnus: Dalea has 5 stamens with petals on fused column; Psorothamnus has 10 stamens.; vs Eriogonum: Dalea has compound leaves and pea flowers; Eriogonum has simple leaves and tiny clustered flowers.; vs Psorodendron: Check if stems are gland-dotted and count stamens (Dalea has 5).
Frequently asked questions
Is Dalea mollis native to California?
Yes. Dalea mollis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dalea mollis bloom?
Dalea mollis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Dalea mollis grow?
Dalea mollis occurs in Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Imperial, Los Angeles, San Diego, at elevations of < 800 m.
What plant family does Dalea mollis belong to?
Dalea mollis is in the Fabaceae family, genus Dalea.
What habitat does Dalea mollis grow in?
Dalea mollis grows in Common. Creosote-bush flats, washes, roadsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.