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sessileleaf ticktrefoil

Scientific Name: Desmodium sessilifolium

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (sessile-leaf tick-trefoil), MD (sessile-leaved

       

Desmodium sessilifolium: Sessile-leaf Tick Trefoil

Desmodium sessilifolium, commonly known as Sessile-leaf Tick Trefoil, is a perennial wildflower belonging to the Fabaceae (Pea) family.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces sticky seed pods.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant produces sticky seed pods.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Desmodium sessilifolium (Torr.) Torr. & A. Gray
  • Common Names: Sessile-leaf Tick Trefoil, Sessile Leaf Tick Trefoil, Sessile Tickclover
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Genus: Desmodium
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonym: Meibomia
  • Alternative Spellings: sessile-leaved ticktrefoil, sessile-leaved tick trefoil, sessile leaved tick-trefoil, sessile leaved ticktrefoil, sessile leaved tick trefoil, sessileleaf tick trefoil, sessileleaf tickclover, sessile tickclover

Distribution and Habitat

  • Desmodium sessilifolium is a native species found in North America.
  • It is considered a prairie plant and is sometimes found in prairie restorations.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Pawnee County, Nebraska; Prince Georges County, Baltimore County, Alabama, and Arkansas.
  • It is listed as endangered in several states.

Ecological Role

  • This legume is a nitrogen-fixing plant.
  • It provides a crucial food source for wild birds such as northern bobwhites, ruffed grouse, and wild turkeys.
  • The flowers attract pollinators in the summer.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Desmodium sessilifolium is a perennial wildflower that typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet.
  • It is more or less erect and either unbranched or sparingly branched.
  • The central stem is light green, terete (round in cross-section), and hairy.
  • The plant has narrow leaflets and delicate, twining stems.
  • The flowers are purple-pink and pea-like.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The flowers attract pollinators.
  • The seeds provide food for wild turkeys and other birds.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden
  • Chicago Botanic Garden's Seeds of Success program.