Description
Desmanthus illinoensis, commonly known as Illinois Bundleflower, is a native perennial legume. It grows 2-4 feet tall and has small, white flowerheads.
Wildlife notes
Small bees and flies occasionally visit the flowerheads seeking nectar and pollen. Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, and Greater Prairie Chicken consume the seeds.
Forage notes
Cattle enjoy the relatively high protein content of its foliage.
Landscaping notes
Illinois Bundleflower prefers full to partial sun and moist to mesic conditions. Some drought is tolerated, but the leaflets on the lower stems of the plant may fall off. Growth is best in fertile loam. This plant fixes nitrogen in the soil. Easily grown from seed.
Restoration notes
Habitats include black soil prairies, moist meadows near rivers, openings in woodlands, limestone glades, areas along railroads, and areas along levees. It can be used in prairie restorations to improve worn-out soil but does not recover well from wildfires. Illinois Bundleflower prefers relatively open areas with a history of disturbance.
This species is often used in the following mixes: Wildlife Chuckwagon Mix, Butterfly and Hummingbird Mix
Videos About This Plant
To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.