Illinois bundle flower

Flower and fruit of the Illinois bundle flower, Desmanthus illinoensis. The leaves are mimosa-like and will curl up when touched (haptotropic). The flowers are less than 0.5 inches in diameter,l ike little puffballs. The fruit are very characteristic and curled. They become hard and brittle and burst open to release the seed. This plant can grow to six feet in height and is very common along roadsides.