Prairie Mimosa (Desmanthus illinoensis)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Desmanthus illinoensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.3 m (4ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in protein but without much flavour. — Rich in protein but without much flavour.; The seedpods are about 25mm long and contain 3 - 5 small seeds.; They are freely borne in the plants native environment, but will have to be very freely produced in this country if it is to be a worthwhile crop.

Habitat & North American Range

Prairies, river banks and fields. Ditches, stream bottoms, fields, roadsides and low areas, often on clay soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)