Desmanthus illinoensis Prairie mimosa (Leguminosae)

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Desmanthus illinoensis
Prairie mimosa
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The Desmanthus illinoensis plant species is found in N. America - Ohio to N. Dakota, New Mexico to Mississippi. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Prairie mimosa. Some home gardeners know the variety as D. brachylobus. Acuan illinoensis. (Michx.)Kuntze.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Desmanthus illinoensis
Common Name:  Prairie mimosa
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  (Michx.)MacMill.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1.3   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Prairies, river banks and fields[222, 235].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a moist but well-drained soil in full sun[200]. Suitable for the wild garden or other naturalistic plantings[200]. In favourable situations this plant can self-sow to the point of nuisance[200]. This plant is being evaluated by the Land Institute of Salina, Kansas, as an edible legume for growing with perennial grains in a non-tillage permaculture system[183]. It is certainly worthy of more attention in this country, though the small seed size mitigates against its use[K]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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