Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacM. - Prairie Mimosa
Family - Fabaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Fruits.
Flowering - June - August.
Habitat - Rocky open ground, thickets, glades, prairies, roadsides, railroads.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found throughout much of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its bipinnate leaves and globose clusters of white flowers. The fruits of the plant turn dark brownish-black when mature.
This is a drought tolerant species that adapts well to a variety of habitats.
The genus Desmanthus derives from the Greek "desm(a)(e)" meaning "a bundle, bond, ligament" and "anthus" meaning "a flower" referring to the clusters of flowers.
The species epithet illinoensis means "of Illinois" as the plant is quite common in that state.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Interstate 24 near Nashville, TN., 8-3-05.