Growing under the canopy of an oak tree (bordering a hickory tree)
Growing near a hardwood log in a draw.
Over thirty growing in a thirty foot long line. Most are in partial shade.
Dormant season seed pods on an otherwise bare stem. Plant is about 1-1/2 to 2 feet tall, encountered only sporadically along ridge top hiking trails in Waubonsie State Park between maintained native prairie on one side and encroaching woodland on the other. It looks rather like a legume to me. Anyone know this plant?