Onosmodium molle occidentale, commonly known as Marbleseed, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, rocky slopes, and open woodlands in the western and central parts of the United States, including parts of Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils and full sun, making it an excellent plant for drought-tolerant gardens and prairie restorations.
This rugged, upright plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and features rough, hairy stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that give it a coarse texture. In late spring to early summer, it produces small, tubular, pale yellow to creamy-white flowers arranged in branching clusters. These are followed by hard, round, white nutlets—resembling tiny marbles—that persist and give the plant its common name.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Onosmodium molle occidentale is a tough and ecologically functional species that supports native bees and other pollinators. It adds interesting seed texture and structure to dry prairie plantings and pairs well with little bluestem, purple prairie clover, and hoary vervain in sunny, xeric landscapes.
Onosmodium molle occidentale, commonly known as Marbleseed, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, rocky slopes, and open woodlands in the western and central parts of the United States, including parts of Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils and full sun, making it an excellent plant for drought-tolerant gardens and prairie restorations.
This rugged, upright plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and features rough, hairy stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that give it a coarse texture. In late spring to early summer, it produces small, tubular, pale yellow to creamy-white flowers arranged in branching clusters. These are followed by hard, round, white nutlets—resembling tiny marbles—that persist and give the plant its common name.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Onosmodium molle occidentale is a tough and ecologically functional species that supports native bees and other pollinators. It adds interesting seed texture and structure to dry prairie plantings and pairs well with little bluestem, purple prairie clover, and hoary vervain in sunny, xeric landscapes.
Bloom: late spring to mid-summer
Habitats: hill prairies; rocky glades; upland gravel prairies; upland pastures; upland gravel prairies; upland sand prairies; upland savannas
upland sand prairies, upland gravel prairies, hill prairies, upland savannas, rocky glades, and upland pastures.
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: gravel; rocky material; sand
