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eastern trailing ticktrefoil

Scientific Name: Desmodium humifusum

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (trailing tick-trefoil), IN (tick trefoil), MA

       

Trailing Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium humifusum)

Desmodium humifusum is a flowering plant belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). It is known by several common names, including trailing tick-trefoil and eastern trailing tick-trefoil.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text indicates a "No" rating for safety in both children and dogs. While the specific reason for this rating is not detailed, it's important to exercise caution and prevent pets from ingesting this plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonym: Meibomia humifusa (Muhl. ex Bigelow) Kuntze
  • Accepted Scientific Name: Desmodium humifusum (Muhl. ex Bigelow) Beck
  • Family: Fabaceae (mentioned in the source material)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Historically known from 11 eastern states, ranging from Florida north to New York.
  • Specifically mentioned as present in Maine (ME), Vermont (VT), Massachusetts (MA), Connecticut (CT), and Rhode Island (RI).
  • Also found in western New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania to South Carolina.
  • Observed in locations such as Cedar Glade, Pigeon Mountain East, Walker County, GA.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Growth habit: Forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Duration: Perennial.
  • The plant has a trailing growth habit, spreading along the ground with only the flowering branches growing erect.

Ecological Role

  • Listed as State-Endangered in some regions (State Conservation Rank: S1).
  • Federally-listed: None

Similar Species

  • Round-leaf tick-trefoil (Desmodium rotundifolium) is a similar species, but distinguished by its large, round leaflets.

Further Information

  • Information can be found on Discover Life's page.
  • BONAP (Biota of North America Program) also provides a fact sheet.
  • Further research is available on ResearchGate.