Desmanthus velutinus Scheele

Nomenclature and Common Name

Desmanthus velutinus Scheele, a species of flowering plant in the legume family, has the common name velvet bundleflower.

Native Distribution

It is native to New Mexico and Texas in the United States, and Coahuila in Mexico, and it may also grow in Oklahoma.

Growth Habit and Stem Characteristics

This species is a perennial herb that produces spreading stems up to two feet long.

Leaf Morphology

Its blue-green leaves are 3 to 4 inches long, and divided into several pairs of leaflets.

Flower and Fruit Characteristics

It produces white flowers, and its fruit is a straight pod that grows up to three inches long.

Habitat and Soil Preferences

This plant grows on calcareous soils like limestone, and does not grow in wet areas.

Livestock Forage Use

It is used as forage for livestock including sheep and goats.

Wildlife Food Value

Wildlife such as deer graze on the plant, and birds like quail eat its seeds.

Erosion Control and Range Improvement Uses

It can be planted to reduce erosion, and it is often included as an ingredient in seed mixes used for range improvement.