Plant of the Month: July, 1998

by Russell Stevens

Illinois Bundleflower
Desmanthus illinoensis

Characteristics: A large legume with a much branched, shrub-like growth form. Common on clay or limestone soils in prairies, along roadsides, fence rows and streams.

Rarely found in overgrazed pastures. Illinois bundleflower has a high protein content and is highly preferred by livestock and wildlife. Seeds are also eaten by quail and other birds. The genus name Desmanthus is from the Greek words desme, meaning bundle and anthos, meaning flower.

Area of Importance: Eastern two-thirds of Oklahoma and Texas.

Attributes: The protein content of Illinois bundleflower is similar to most domestic legumes. It is a native plant that is resistant to drought and extreme winters. Its presence or absence in a native pasture is a good indication of range (pasture) condition.

Problems: Because of its palatability to livestock, Illinois bundleflower has been eliminated from most of our rangelands. Illinois bundleflower looks very similar to Prairie acacia, Acacia angustissina, and it is often difficult to distinguish between the two until fruiting.

I.D. Tip: The fruit (seed pod) of Illinois bundleflower forms a tight round or spiral cluster. Fruits mature in the summer.

Hundreds of plants are identified in the Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery.