Illinois bundleflower, Desmanthus illinoensis

The puffballs of the pea family fascinate. They're so different from the usual showy flowers with all those colorful petals. For that matter, all the different forms flowers take within individual families are amazing. So we will look at some of those, starting with peas and Illinois bundleflower. No petals here. Bundleflowers are about two thirds of an inch across. These plants are sometimes planted as forage during crop rotation. They're good for the soil, lime so many other peas. The rattly seed pods were toys for young Indians. Bundleflower grows in AL, AR, CO, FL. GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, and WI. Fayette Co KY, 7/15/15.