Family: Fabaceae
[Meibomia illinoensis (A.Gray) Kuntze]
Christopher Noll
Robert W. Freckmann
Etymology: Desmodium: Greek meaning "long branch or chain," probably from the shape and the way the seedpods attach
Plants: erect, perennial, up to 3' tall forb
Leaves: 3-parted, lance-like, both sides rough with hooked hairs; leaf stalk much longer than the stalk of the end leaflet
Flowers: white to pink, 5-parted, 1/3" long, stalks about 1/2" long; inflorescence a sparsely-flowered, long cluster (raceme) either with none or only a few branches; blooms July-Aug.
Fruits: flat, mostly straight pod covered with clinging, hooked hairs and divided into 2-5 rounded segments
Habitat: sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies, roadsides; in rich soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, up to 3' tall forb
Leaves: 3-parted, lance-like, both sides rough with hooked hairs; leaf stalk much longer than the stalk of the end leaflet
Flowers: white to pink, 5-parted, 1/3" long, stalks about 1/2" long; inflorescence a sparsely-flowered, long cluster (raceme) either with none or only a few branches; blooms July-Aug.
Fruits: flat, mostly straight pod covered with clinging, hooked hairs and divided into 2-5 rounded segments
Habitat: sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies, roadsides; in rich soil
Conservation Status: Native
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Robert W. Freckmann
Christopher Noll
Merel R. Black
Robert W. Freckmann
Christopher Noll
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
