The primary attraction of this plant is its fern-like foliage, giving it a refined appearance. The leaves close-up at night, and often close partially during hot, sunny days. During the evening, they re-orient in the direction of the sun to maximize the reception of its light. The little flowers are short-lived and not particularly showy. Illinois Bundleflower is one of two members of the Mimosa family that occur in prairies in Illinois. The other plant is Schrankia uncinata (Sensitive Briar), which is a vine with pink starburst flowers and thorns along the stems and compound leaves.