Desmanthus virgatus, commonly known as Fern Acacia, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, open woodlands, and along streams in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. It typically grows 5 to 10 feet tall and can produce up to 50 slender, flexible stems from a woody taproot. Prairie Acacia is well-adapted to clay and sandy soils and can survive lower altitudes. During dry conditions, it may die back to the root but resprouts with the return of moisture.

Prairie Acacia is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which improves soil fertility and aids in erosion control. Its fine-textured foliage and small, ball-shaped white flowers, which appear in the summer, add a delicate texture to garden settings. It is often used in revegetation projects and as livestock forage due to its resilience. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is drought-tolerant, additional watering can promote more lush growth. Gardeners should be aware that in some regions, it can spread aggressively, so monitoring and management may be necessary.CC BY-SA 4.0