About Stylosanthes biflora (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.
Scientific name: Stylosanthes biflora (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. Stylosanthes biflora is a branching perennial plant that grows 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall. Its stems are wiry, round, hairy, and range from light to medium green. This species produces alternate trifoliate compound leaves, meaning each leaf has three leaflets. Leaflets are 1–4 cm (0.5–1.5 in) long, elliptic in shape, and have smooth margins. A pair of partially joined bracts called stipules, which taper to a beak, surrounds the base of each leaf petiole and part of the adjacent stem. The flowers are orange to yellow, and have a structure typical of other members of the pea family. Flower petals include a large top standard petal, plus smaller wings and a keel, with bracts positioned below the petals. The overall shape of the flowers is nearly circular. This species is native to the United States, ranging from Texas in the west, Illinois in the north, New York in the east, and Florida in the south; it is also found in Arizona. It grows in sunny, dry habitats including glades, prairies, savannas, dry upland forests, bluff tops, and riverbanks. Flowers bloom from May to September. They are visited by bees and butterflies, and the species acts as a host plant for the barred yellow butterfly Eurema daira.
