Marcus, Joseph A.
Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacM. ex B.L. Robins. & Fern.
Illinois bundleflower, Bundleflower, Prairie bundle flower, Prickleweed, Illinois Desmanthus, Prairie mimosa
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
One to several erect stems grow from the base to 1-3 ft. (sometimes up to 5 ft.) in height. The leaves are twice pinnately compound. Six to 15
pinnae each have 20-30 leaflets. Leaves fold in strong sunlight and when touched. Small, ball-shaped clusters of greenish flowers occur on
axillary stalks. An erect plant with ball-like clusters of small, whitish or greenish flowers on tall stalks rising in axils of
compound leaves. Flat, leathery, twisted seedpods follow.
The somewhat similar Prairie Acacia (
Acacia augustissima) has
fruit 1 1/2-3 (4-8 cm) long. Prairie Mimosa and Prairie Acacia are nutritious range plants, high in protein.
Image Gallery:
24 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf Retention: Deciduous Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Leaf Complexity: Bipinnate Leaf Shape: Linear
Inflorescence: Head Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit: Brown
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CO , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MD , MN , MS , MO , NE , NV , NM , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , SC , SD , TN , UT , VA , WI , DC
Native Distribution: SC to AL, TX & e. CO, n. to IL, s.w. MN & ND
Native Habitat: Frequent in North Central Texas, rare in Edwards Plateau and Plains Country, rare in Southeast Texas and Trans-Pecos. Grows in clay or caliche soils in open areas. Open, wooded slopes; rocky prairies; stream banks; roadsides; waste places
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Various soils. Does not tolerate coarse sands or dense clays.
Conditions Comments: It is an erect plant with ball-like clusters of small, whitish or greenish flowers. The leaves fold in strong sunlight and when touched. Flat, leathery, twisted seedpods follow. It blooms in summer and in fall after rains. Visually, it is interesting for its fern-like leaves and bundled tangles of seed pods.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Seeds are desirable for wild birds. The plant is considered a nutritious and palatable browse for wildlife.
Use Medicinal: Pawnees used leaf tea as wash for itching. Hopi used seeds placed in eye for conjunctivitis.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Last Update: 2012-07-14
