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perplexed ticktrefoil

Scientific Name: Desmodium perplexum

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Perplexed Ticktrefoil (Desmodium perplexum)

Desmodium perplexum, commonly known as perplexed ticktrefoil, is a perennial plant belonging to the bean family (Fabaceae). Other common names include perplexed tick-trefoil, perplexing tick trefoil, tick clover, hitch hikers, beggar lice, beggar's ticks, and wild ticktrefoil.

Considerations for Pets

  • The seed pods of Desmodium perplexum are covered with tiny hooked hairs that tenaciously stick to fabric or fur.

Considerations for Children

  • The seed pods of Desmodium perplexum are covered with tiny hooked hairs that tenaciously stick to fabric.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Desmodium perplexum B.G. Schub.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Bean family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Meibomia dillenii
    • Desmodium paniculatum
    • Desmodium paniculatum var. dillenii (Darl.) Isely
    • Desmodium dillenii
  • Desmodium paniculatum (Linnaeus) de Candolle is sometimes considered a synonym, but is now accepted as a separate species.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Desmodium perplexum is a native perennial legume.
  • It is found in states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
  • It can be found in floodplain forests.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a perennial plant that typically grows to be about 2 to 5 feet tall, branching occasionally.
  • It has stipules at the base of compound leaves.
  • The stem hairs are spreading.
  • The leaflets are broad-ovate, thick, and faintly reticulate.
  • Chain-like seed pods are covered with tiny hooked hairs.
  • Grown habit: Forb/herb

Quirky Facts

  • The Cherokee traditionally chewed the roots of perplexed tick-trefoil to treat sore gums.
  • The plant has seed pods that tenaciously stick to fabric or fur, earning it the nicknames "tick-trefoil," "tick clover," "hitch hikers," and "beggar lice".

Ecological Role

  • Desmodium perplexum is a host plant for the Southern Cloudywing butterfly.
  • Its seeds provide food for small animals.

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Desmodium perplexum.
  • Encyclopedia of Life (EOL): Invites contributions of facts about Desmodium perplexum.
  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): Provides taxonomic information.