Stylosanthes biflora
(L.) Britton & al.
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) endersmoothie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) jim_keesling, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) jim_keesling, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaStylosanthes biflora, known by the common names pencil flower, sidebeak pencilflower, and endbeak pencilflower, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae (legume) family. It is native to the Southeastern United States where it is widespread in open areas of native vegetation. It produces yellow-orange flowers in the summer and fall. This species is highly variable throughout its range, and numerous species had previously been segregated out of it. However, their morphological differences have been found to be so overlapping that the former segregates are now considered the same species.
Description
Stylosanthes biflora is a perennial growing to 0.5 m tall and wide at a fast rate, hardy to UK zone 5. Flowers are bee-pollinated and the plant fixes nitrogen. It grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, prefers well-drained conditions, and tolerates poor soil fertility. It thrives in mildly acidic or neutral soils, semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun, and tolerates both dry and moist soils with good drought resistance. The plant is noted for attracting wildlife.
Edible Uses
None known.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zone 5.
Where It Grows
USA,
Propagation
Propagate by seed.
Other Uses
Stylosanthes biflora fixes nitrogen and provides shelter for insects and other arthropods. Its foliage is highly palatable to hoofed mammalian herbivores.
Synonyms
References (1)
- Jackes, D. A., 2007, Edible Forest Gardens
