BUNDLEFLOWER
Desmanthus illinoensis
Germination Instructions:
1.) Soak seeds until swollen, nick any seeds that are not swollen and soak again
2.) Sprinkle on a damp, well drained soil mix and lightly cover with soil
3.) Keep warm, approximately 70-80 degrees
4.) Germination is within 2 days and ongoing for 2-3 weeks5.) Transplant seedlings when first true leaves form or allow to get approximately 3" if moving outdoors
Detailed Plant Description:
This native perennial grows between 2-5ft tall and has a fern-like appearance. The yellowish to medium green leaves are bipinnate and narrow. They are touch-sensitive and will fold up when contact takes place. The stems of the D. illinoensis are light green and angular often containing scattered white hairs. Small white compound flowers grow amongst the upper leaves. Each spherical flower contains many tubular florets and each floret contains several yellow stamen. Like many others from the mimosa family when the flowers are in full bloom they appear to have a beautiful starburst appearance. The period of blooming only lasts a month or so during early to mid summer but after this stage clusters of brown seedpods begin to form and the bundleflower will then begin to reseed itself.
Plant Care:
Best grown outdoors. Keep in partial to full sun and keep moist. Be careful not to over-water or let dry out.
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Mimosoideae
Genus: DesmanthusSpecies: D. illinoensis
Common Names:
Illinois bundleflower
prairie-mimosa
prickleweed
