Illinois Bundleflower
Desmanthus Illinoensis
This unique plant has puffy white flowers which turn into woody seed heads that really stand out on the fine, feathery green foliage. Feathery leaves will fold when touched similar to a mimosa or sensitive plant. This plant is also a workhouse in the garden since it is considered a legume which fixates nitrogen in the soil making it available for other plants. This plant can reseed and will germinate
Plant Height: 2-4’
Light Requirements: full sun, partial shade
Soil Preference: sandy, well-draining soil, pH 6.5-7.5
USDA Zones: 3-9 (perennial)
How to Grow
Germination: 7-21 days at 65-70F
Seeding Depth: 1/4-1/2” depth
Plant Spacing: 1-2’
Days to Maturity: may bloom the first year but typically blooms the second year
Early-Season Seeding: Direct seed outdoors after the last frost date or when soil temperature is above 65F.
Late-Season Seeding: Direct seed outdoors in early-fall before frost.
Growing Tips: Bundle flowers are often grown as a range land crop so it may attract deer but can tolerate heavy feeding which will may it grow back. Seeds will fall and reseed on their own. Leaves will curl in when touched but avoid doing this too often as it can stress the plant and effect growth.
Desmanthus Illinoensis
This unique plant has puffy white flowers which turn into woody seed heads that really stand out on the fine, feathery green foliage. Feathery leaves will fold when touched similar to a mimosa or sensitive plant. This plant is also a workhouse in the garden since it is considered a legume which fixates nitrogen in the soil making it available for other plants. This plant can reseed and will germinate
Plant Height: 2-4’
Light Requirements: full sun, partial shade
Soil Preference: sandy, well-draining soil, pH 6.5-7.5
USDA Zones: 3-9 (perennial)
How to Grow
Germination: 7-21 days at 65-70F
Seeding Depth: 1/4-1/2” depth
Plant Spacing: 1-2’
Days to Maturity: may bloom the first year but typically blooms the second year
Early-Season Seeding: Direct seed outdoors after the last frost date or when soil temperature is above 65F.
Late-Season Seeding: Direct seed outdoors in early-fall before frost.
Growing Tips: Bundle flowers are often grown as a range land crop so it may attract deer but can tolerate heavy feeding which will may it grow back. Seeds will fall and reseed on their own. Leaves will curl in when touched but avoid doing this too often as it can stress the plant and effect growth.
Desmanthus Illinoensis
This unique plant has puffy white flowers which turn into woody seed heads that really stand out on the fine, feathery green foliage. Feathery leaves will fold when touched similar to a mimosa or sensitive plant. This plant is also a workhouse in the garden since it is considered a legume which fixates nitrogen in the soil making it available for other plants. This plant can reseed and will germinate
Plant Height: 2-4’
Light Requirements: full sun, partial shade
Soil Preference: sandy, well-draining soil, pH 6.5-7.5
USDA Zones: 3-9 (perennial)
How to Grow
Germination: 7-21 days at 65-70F
Seeding Depth: 1/4-1/2” depth
Plant Spacing: 1-2’
Days to Maturity: may bloom the first year but typically blooms the second year
Early-Season Seeding: Direct seed outdoors after the last frost date or when soil temperature is above 65F.
Late-Season Seeding: Direct seed outdoors in early-fall before frost.
Growing Tips: Bundle flowers are often grown as a range land crop so it may attract deer but can tolerate heavy feeding which will may it grow back. Seeds will fall and reseed on their own. Leaves will curl in when touched but avoid doing this too often as it can stress the plant and effect growth.