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sand ticktrefoil
Scientific Name: Desmodium lineatum
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: MD (linear-leaved tick-trefoil)
Sand Tick Trefoil (Desmodium lineatum)
Desmodium lineatum, commonly known as sand tick trefoil, is a perennial forb/herb belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea/Bean) family.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant produces seeds that can attach to fur (as indicated by the common name "tick trefoil" and references to "stick tights").
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Desmodium lineatum DC.
- Common Name: Sand tick trefoil
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea/Bean family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms:
- Meibomia arenicola
- Desmodium lineatum var. polymorphum A. Gray
- Meibomia lineata var. polymorpha (A. Gray) Vail
- Alternative Spelling: Sand Tick-trefoil
Distribution and Habitat
- Desmodium lineatum is native to Illinois and occurs in mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies and sand prairies.
- It is also found in sandhills, physiographic regions predominately of windblown sand.
- Observed in Tift County, Georgia (May-September).
Ecological Role
- Designated as an invasive species, capable of propagating through seeds or other biological material.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Growth habit: Forb/herb.
- Duration: Perennial.
- Height: 3'-5'.
- Root: Taproot.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Benefits birds.
- Seeds are dispersed by wind, similar to tumbleweeds, burdocks, cockleburs, sand spurs, and other plants with seeds that stick to surfaces.
Quirky Facts
- Other tick trefoil common names include "cream ticktrefoil" and "perplexed ticktrefoil."
Further Information
- Dave's Garden Plant Database
- Discover Life
- ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
- United States Department of Agriculture Plant Database