Largestipule Leather-Root

Orbexilum stipulatum

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Orbexilum
Species:
Orbexilum stipulatum
USDA Symbol:
ORST

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
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

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained limestone soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
endemic to limestone glades in Kentucky

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seed coat is hard; scarification improves germination. Cold stratification after scarification is recommended.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI