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hoary ticktrefoil

Scientific Name: Desmodium canescens

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Hoary Ticktrefoil (Desmodium canescens)

Desmodium canescens, commonly known as Hoary Ticktrefoil, is a perennial herb belonging to the Pea family (Fabaceae). Other common names include tick-trefoil, tick clover, hitch hikers, and beggar lice. These names hint at the plant's seed dispersal method.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is known as "hitch hikers" or "beggar lice," which refers to the way the seeds attach to clothing and fur. This could be a nuisance for pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Desmodium canescens (L.) DC.
  • Common Names: Hoary Ticktrefoil, Hoary Tick Clover, Canada Tick-clover
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Genus: Desmodium
  • Species: canescens
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Desmodium canescens var. hirsutum
    • Desmodium canescens var. villosissimum
    • Desmodium canescens var. villosissimum Torr. &amp A. Gray

Distribution and Habitat

Hoary Ticktrefoil is native to most of the eastern half of North America, including areas as far north as southern New England. It is commonly found along woodland edges and grows well in dry and sandy soils. It has been found in Alabama, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

It propagates by seeds and blooms from June to September, with seed production occurring from August to November.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Hoary Ticktrefoil is a low-growing herbaceous plant.
  • The plant has hairy stems and leaflets.
  • It has compound, alternate leaves with an elliptical shape and pinnate venation.
  • Each leaf consists of three leaflets.
  • It has pink-purple flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

Bees, particularly long-tongued bees in the Megachilidae family (Megachilini), collect pollen from Desmodium canescens.

Desmodium canescens serves as a host plant for the Silver-spotted Skipper and Hoary Edge butterflies.

Resources and Further Information

  • Endangered Resces Program
  • Dave's Garden
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Discover Life
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • ISM Herbarium