SafePlants

Dixie Tick Trefoil (Desmodium tortuosum)

Dixie Tick Trefoil, scientifically known as Desmodium tortuosum, is also commonly referred to as Florida Beggarweed and Dixie Ticktrefoil. The plant is from the genus Desmodium in the flowering plant family Fabaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant's leaves, stems, and seeds are covered in tiny hairs.
• The pod sticks to surfaces, potentially including animal fur.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's leaves, stems, and seeds are covered in tiny hairs.
• The pod sticks to surfaces, potentially including clothing.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC.
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea/Bean family)
• Genus: Desmodium
• Synonyms:
  • Hedysarum tortuosum
  • Desmodium purpureum
  • Meibomia purpurea (P. Mill.)

Common Names

• Dixie Ticktrefoil
• Dixie Tick Trefoil
• Florida Beggarweed
• Beggar-tick
• Spanish Clover

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Dixie Tick Trefoil is a subshrub forb/herb.
• It has green foliage and blue flowers.
• The plant can be described as an annual herb.
• It possesses stems that are woody below or from a woody crown.
• It has erect or ascending stems typically less than 1 meter tall.
• Taproot present and has nodules.

Distribution and Habitat

• Observed in Old macadamia nut orchards in Waiehu, Maui, Hawaii.
• Exotic to Tropical America and has naturalized in some areas.
• Found in locations such as Alabama (AL).

Ecological Role

• Mentioned as an introduced species.
• It can naturalize in certain environments, potentially impacting native plant communities.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Acts as a host plant for skippers (butterflies).
• The plant's seeds are known to contrast with Florida beggarweed (Desmodium rotundifolium).

Resources and Further Information

• Dave's Garden
• Plants of Hawaii (Forest and Kim Starr)
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
• United States Department of Agriculture