The Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus
illinoensis) is also known as prairie mimosa plant. The Illinois bundleflower is
a perennial herb and wildflower that is native to most of the eastern and
central United State. The prairie mimosa plant is a great plant for native,
wildflower, and prairie gardens as well as forage and food for livestock and
wildlife.
Prairie mimosa plant facts
The Illinois bundleflower are native
perennial herbs. This plant can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm.) tall. The plant flowers
are small and round with white petals. While the plant leaves are like other
members of the mimosa family; compound, alternate and bipinnate. Giving the plant
leaves a fern-like appearance. The plant is a legume, it can enrich the soil
with nitrogen. You will mostly see prairie mimosa plant growing in meadows or
prairies, in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and also generally in any type
of grasslands. The prairie mimosa plant prefers full sun and soil that drains
well and is dry to medium dry. Illinois bundleflower tolerates drought and many
types of soil.
Growing Illinois bundleflower
Grow Illinois bundleflower for
wildlife for forage, or as part of a native prairie garden. The prairie mimosa plant
is not the best choice for more formal beds or for shady, wet, and forested
areas. All kinds of animals eat prairie mimosa plant and the seeds are a very good
source of protein for all kinds of livestock and wild animals. The prairie
mimosa plant also provides cover for smaller wildlife. If you want to grow the prairie
mimosa plant, it is very easy to start from seed. The seeds are very easy to find.
Make sure you sow the seeds to a depth of a little less than an inch (2 cm.) in
spring. Make sure you water regularly until the seeds sprout and grow larger.
Once the plant is established the plant is a low maintenance plant. If the
plant is grown in the right conditions with drier soil and also in full sun,
you don’t need to do much to keep the plant growing. Actually pests and disease
are minor issues with Illinois bundleflower.
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