Status:
valid
Authors:
Schltdl.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1838
Citation Micro:
Linnaea12: 321 (1838)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000170348
Common Names
- Tall Tick-trefoil
- Tall Tickclover
- Tall Pea-vine
Synonyms
- Desmodium brachystachyum Schltdl. [invalid]
- Meibomia polystachya Kuntze [valid]
Description
Desmodium polystachyum (also called Chinese tick clover, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to India and China. It grows up to 2 feet tall and has trifoliate leaves with white flowers. It is found in grasslands, open woodlands, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Desmodium polystachyum is used as a forage crop for livestock, as a green manure crop, and as a soil-improving crop. It is also used as a medicinal plant, for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Desmodium polystachyum is a small, pink, pea-like flower. The seed is a small, round, dark brown seed. The seedlings are small, thin, and have a few leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Desmodium polystachyum is a perennial herb that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least 6 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Where to Find Desmodium polystachyum
Desmodium polystachyum is native to the United States and can be found in the eastern and central parts of the country. It is a perennial herb that grows in moist soils and is often found in wet meadows, marshes, and along streams.
Desmodium polystachyum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Desmodium polystachyum?
Desmodium polystachyum
What is the family of Desmodium polystachyum?
Fabaceae
What is the common name of Desmodium polystachyum?
Many-spiked Tick-trefoil
Species in the Desmodium genus
Desmodium affine,
Desmodium ambiguum,
Desmodium amplifolium,
Desmodium angustatum,
Desmodium angustifolium,
Desmodium arechavaletae,
Desmodium arizonicum,
Desmodium batocaulon,
Desmodium bellum,
Desmodium bioculatum,
Desmodium bridgesii,
Desmodium callilepis,
Desmodium campyloclados,
Desmodium canaliculatum,
Desmodium chartaceum,
Desmodium chiapense,
Desmodium cinerascens,
Desmodium coloniense,
Desmodium conzattii,
Desmodium cordistipulum,
Desmodium crassum,
Desmodium cubense,
Desmodium cuneatum,
Desmodium delotum,
Desmodium densiflorum,
Desmodium denudatum,
Desmodium fernaldii,
Desmodium floridanum,
Desmodium foliosum,
Desmodium ghiesbreghtii,
Desmodium glabrescens,
Desmodium gracile,
Desmodium grahamii,
Desmodium guadalajaranum,
Desmodium hartwegianum,
Desmodium hassleri,
Desmodium helleri,
Desmodium illinoense,
Desmodium infractum,
Desmodium intermedium,
Desmodium jaliscanum,
Desmodium johnstonii,
Desmodium lamprocarpum,
Desmodium lavanduliflorum,
Desmodium leptoclados,
Desmodium limense,
Desmodium lindheimeri,
Desmodium longiarticulatum,
Desmodium luteolum,
Desmodium macrodesmum,
Species in the Fabaceae family