As a legume, it enriches soils by fixing nitrogen, improving fertility for surrounding plants in prairies.
Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while deer and livestock occasionally browse the foliage.
Grows a long taproot that makes it very drought-tolerant and helps it thrive in tough prairie soils.
Indigenous people used the roots and leaves for herbal teas, tonics, and remedies, including treatments for fevers and stomach issues.
As a legume, it enriches soils by fixing nitrogen, improving fertility for surrounding plants in prairies.
Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while deer and livestock occasionally browse the foliage.
Grows a long taproot that makes it very drought-tolerant and helps it thrive in tough prairie soils.
Indigenous people used the roots and leaves for herbal teas, tonics, and remedies, including treatments for fevers and stomach issues.
Bloom: early to mid-summer
Habitats: gravel prairies; hill prairies; limestone glades; mesic to dry black soil prairies; sandy hills or dunes near Lake Michigan; typical savannas and sandy savannas
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: clay; gravel; loam; sand
