Spiky, deep purple blooms appear in early summer. Silver-grey foliage is displayed in leaflets attached to stems. A shrubby plant, often considered a prairie shrub or sub-shrub, which develops a deep root system giving it a high level of drought tolerance. Enjoys full sun. Adaptable but prefers dry, sandy soils. A nitrogen fixing species.

Height : 2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

Bloom Period : June to August

Light : Full sun, partial shade

Water : Dry to Medium

Soil : Sand, Loam, Clay

Zone : 3-8

Native Habitat : Prairies, disturbed areas, plains

Landscape Uses : Butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, prairies, naturalization