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(Orbexilum psoralioides)
Eastern Sampson’s Snakeroot (Orbexilum psoralioides)
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peganum
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CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo by: peganum | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: peganum | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Orbexilum psoralioides, commonly known as Eastern Sampson’s Snakeroot, is a perennial herb that can be deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on the climate. It is native to open woodlands and grassy meadows, often in calcareous soils, within the Southeastern United States. This plant typically reaches a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). It has compound leaves and produces small, showy, purple pea-like flowers in the summer, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Eastern Sampson’s Snakeroot is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is often used in native plant gardens, borders, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. It requires moderate amounts of water and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden settings. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Eastern Sampson’s Snakeroot is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is often used in native plant gardens, borders, and as part of pollinator-friendly landscaping. It requires moderate amounts of water and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden settings. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands and grassy meadows in calcareous soils within the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Sampson’s Snakeroot
Scientific Names: , Psoralea psoralioides, Orbexilum psoralioides, Orbexilum pedunculatum var. gracile, Orbexilum pedunculatum var. psoralioides, Psoralea melilotoides, Psoralea melilotoides var. gracilis, Psoralea psoralioides var. gracilis, Lotodes psoralioides, Lotodes psoralodes
GBIF Accepted Name: Orbexilum psoralioides (Walter) Vincent