Dalea pinnata

Common Names

Summer Farewell

Summary

Dalea pinnata, commonly called Summer Farewell, is a short-lived perennial herb in the Fabaceae family native to Florida, with populations in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and it grows in sandhill, flatwoods, and scrub habitats, it is an erect, herbaceous perennial reaching about 1.5 to 3 feet tall with branched stems and finely dissected, pinnately compound leaves, dense terminal heads bear white to pinkish-white flowers in late summer to early fall, with reddish buds and silvery hairy seed pods, the plant serves as a larval host for the Southern dogface butterfly and attracts a variety of pollinators, propagation is by seed, and growth occurs in full sun to part shade with dry, well-drained sandy soils, it tolerates very dry conditions and is well suited for mass plantings in native plant gardens and dry, sunny wildflower settings, including USDA zones 8A–9B, not salt tolerant, it provides ecological value by offering seed for birds and small animals and supporting bees.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1.5-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained sandy soil.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained sandy soil

Soil pH

Acidic

Bloom Color

White, pinkish-white, or lavender-white

Bloom Time

Summer and Fall

Foliage Color

Bright green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds