Fern Acacia

(Acacia angustissima var. hirta)

Fabaceae/Leguminosae

On first glance this plant may resemble Illinois Bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis). However, if you take a closer look you will find that this plant lacks glands on the petiole. Another interesting characterisitic is that the leaves of Fern Acacia are sensitive, folding up at night, when it rains or when touched (as do some other members of the family Fabaceae, especially plants of the genus Mimosa).

Also commonly known as Prairie Acacia and White-Ball Acacia. Other synonyms: Acacia hirta.