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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 2192edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 18 Oct 2026methodology → read
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Skeleton Plant

Lygodesmia grandiflorafam. Fabaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleperennialedibleedible leafedible seedherbperennial
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Lygodesmia grandiflora (Skeleton Plant) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2192 — Lygodesmia grandiflora
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Overview

Skeleton Plant, Lygodesmia grandiflora, is a perennial herb native to the western United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil conditions, growing up to 0.6 meters tall. Known for its delicate, leafy structure, it earned the name "Skeleton Plant." The leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, adding a mild flavor to salads or steamed as a green vegetable. While primarily ornamental and useful as a food source in its native range, Skeleton Plant is not known for medicinal properties. Its distinctive, airy appearance and edible leaves make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes in its native habitat.

Quick answers

What is Skeleton Plant?

Skeleton Plant, Lygodesmia grandiflora, is a perennial herb native to the western United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil conditions, growing up to 0.

Compare with:Acacia holosericea→Acacia mearnsii→Adenanthera pavonina→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Skeleton Plant (Lygodesmia grandiflora) thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. It is a perennial that grows to about 0.6 meters and is native to the western United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. For best results, propagate through seeds or division. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and is edible, with its leaves being the main parts used.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Skeleton Plant for the first time

8steps

Start with Skeleton Plant as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small Skeleton Plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with sand mixed in. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from a nursery, or sow seeds directly into the ground after danger of frost passes.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun exposure and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly in spring to encourage new growth.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead or damaged parts as needed throughout the growing season to maintain plant health.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soils, and neglecting to prune are common issues.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The skeleton plant's leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They add a mild flavor to salads or can be steamed as a green vegetable. Skip the detailed preparation methods since specific cooking instructions were not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 7 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Lygodesmia grandiflora (Skeleton Plant) — botanical photograph
Skeleton Plant (Lygodesmia grandiflora)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

XII

About this entry

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