DEVILSCLAW, Proboscidea louisianica (Mill.) Thell. 1, upper part of plant showing leaves and flowers; 2, seed pod. Annual, reproducing by seeds. Often possessing a pronounced odor. Stems thick, soft, widely branching, producing a bushy plant up to 3 feet (0.9 m) high and 4 feet (1.2 m) across. Leaves opposite, or the upper ones alternate, simple, rounded or kidney shaped, up to 12 inches (30 cm) across in well-developed plants, densely covered with glandular hairs giving the plant a "clammy" feel. Flowers dull white or yellow, with purplish spots, petals united into an irregular tube, 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across. Seed pod woody at maturity, consisting of a rough-surfaced body about 2 inches (5 cm) long, with 2 up curved spines, 3 to 5 inches (7.5-12 cm) long, projecting from one end. Seeds numerous, egg-shaped, 1/4 inch (6 mm) long, dull gray or silvery gray and conspicuously wrinkled. Found in dry open prairies and pastures; more abundant in western part of the range. Sometimes cultivated as an ornamental. Seldom an aggressive weed, but the seed pods show up in baled hay.