Singlestem Leather-Root

Orbexilum simplex

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Orbexilum
Species:
Orbexilum simplex
USDA Symbol:
ORSI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
purple, violet

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Native to fire-maintained pine savannas and sandhills; resprouts from deep taproot following fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, open habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat recommended before cold stratification. Legume family seed may have variable germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI