Illinois bundleflower facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Desmanthus illinoensis
Desmanthus illinoensis
Desmanthus illinoensis flower heads
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Genus:	Desmanthus
Species:	D. illinoensis
Binomial name
Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacMill. ex B. L. Rob. & Fernald
Synonyms
Acacia brachyloba Willd. Acacia glandulosa (Michx.) Willd. Acuan glandulosa (Michx.) A. Heller Acuan glandulosum (Michx.) A.Heller Acuan illinoense (Michx.) Kuntze Darlingtonia brachyloba (Willd.) DC. Darlingtonia glandulosa (Michx.) DC. Darlingtonia intermedia Torr. Desmanthus brachylobus (Willd.) Benth. Desmanthus falcatus Scheele Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) Robinson & Fernald Mimosa brachyloba (Willd.) Eaton Mimosa contortuplicata Zuccagni Mimosa glandulosa Michx. Mimosa illinoensis Michx.

Desmanthus illinoensis (commonly known as Illinois bundleflower, prairie-mimosa or prickleweed) is a common plant in many areas of the south central and Midwestern US.

Habitat

It can often be found growing on the sides of roads, needing full sun and ample moisture during its short growing season.

USDA Zones 5-8 are recommended for outside cultivation.

Chemistry

Root bark of D. illinoensis has been found to contain N,N-DMT, NMT, N-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine, 2-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine, and gramine (toxic).

Nutritional benefits

The plant is nutritious and high in protein.

Desmanthus illinoensis seeds

The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas has done extensive research into the food uses of the seeds of this plant. Studies found the dry seeds composed of 38% protein, compared to 40% for soybeans.