Illinois Bundleflower

A small semi-woody plant, one to four feet tall, this perennial blooms from May to September. Flat, curved seed pods form a cluster about one inch in diameter, making an unusual ornamental dried arrangement. Illinois Bundleflower is a very important forb for restorations and wildlife habitat. As a legume, it helps to build the soil. It is winter-hardy, drought tolerant, and will grow in a variety of soils. Nutritious and readily eaten by all classes of livestock, Illinois Bundleflower will attract deer and game birds to any area where it grows. It will also decrease with heavy grazing, and for this reason it is a good "indicator" plant for rangeland. Be sure to include it in any prairie restoration planting or wildflower meadow.