Desmanthus illionensis - ILLINOIS BUNDLEFLOWER
Also called prairie bundleflower or prairie mimosa, this bushy native wildflower perennial has very fine, fern-like foliage and fluffy white flowers that are followed by ornamental, compound, twisted seedpods. The seedpods are dark brown-black and contrast beautifully with the light gray-green leaves. The subleaflets fold together at night, and close partially during hot, sunny days to reduce moisture loss. In the mornings and evenings, the leaves orient themselves in the direction of the sun to maximize their reception of light.
Desmanthus illionensis is adaptable to many soil types, but prefers some drainage. Drought tolerant plant.
Great for naturalistic flower beds, prairie plantings, naturalization, pollinator and wildflower gardens. Looks good paired with plants that have a rough structure or bigger flowers like Coreopsis lanceolata, Echinacea, Eryngium, Liatris, Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, Silphium, or grasses like Panicum virgatum.
Picture copyright : US Perennials nursery
Blooming Time: June to July
Size: 4' (sometimes 5') tall x 2-3' wide
USDA Zones: 5 to 8
Culture: full sun; average, dry, drained, shallow, and rocky soils
Moisture Needs: dry to medium
Origin: native wildflower to North, Central, and South America (see the USDA distribution map)
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: no/no. It is highly palatable to mammals, including deer.
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: small bees and flies seek nectar and pollen
Attracts Hummingbirds: no, but the seeds are eaten by upland gamebirds (including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, and Greater Prairie Chicken)
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 5" deep pot
Desmanthus illionensis - ILLINOIS BUNDLEFLOWER
Also called prairie bundleflower or prairie mimosa, this bushy native wildflower perennial has very fine, fern-like foliage and fluffy white flowers that are followed by ornamental, compound, twisted seedpods. The seedpods are dark brown-black and contrast beautifully with the light gray-green leaves. The subleaflets fold together at night, and close partially during hot, sunny days to reduce moisture loss. In the mornings and evenings, the leaves orient themselves in the direction of the sun to maximize their reception of light.
Desmanthus illionensis is adaptable to many soil types, but prefers some drainage. Drought tolerant plant.
Great for naturalistic flower beds, prairie plantings, naturalization, pollinator and wildflower gardens. Looks good paired with plants that have a rough structure or bigger flowers like Coreopsis lanceolata, Echinacea, Eryngium, Liatris, Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, Silphium, or grasses like Panicum virgatum.
Picture copyright : US Perennials nursery
Blooming Time: June to July
Size: 4' (sometimes 5') tall x 2-3' wide
USDA Zones: 5 to 8
Culture: full sun; average, dry, drained, shallow, and rocky soils
Moisture Needs: dry to medium
Origin: native wildflower to North, Central, and South America (see the USDA distribution map)
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: no/no. It is highly palatable to mammals, including deer.
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: small bees and flies seek nectar and pollen
Attracts Hummingbirds: no, but the seeds are eaten by upland gamebirds (including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, and Greater Prairie Chicken)
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 5" deep pot