This species has a unique response similar to that of the sensitive plant Mimosa in rapidly folding up its leaves at the slightest touch or temperature change. The seemingly disjunct locations of the Wadena County populations perhaps reflects inadequate investigations of the intervening area between them and the closest others reported in Minnesota. Interest has recently been shown by researchers in investigating possible responses of this plant to global warming. This plant thrives on open very sandy sites and grows up to two feet tall.

I was totally but pleasantly surprised to discover this plant unexpectedly at two separate locations in Wadena County, Minnesota 152-175 miles further north from the closest currently known locations near Minneapolis and St. Paul.
– Dick Oehlenschlager, Biology