Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Desmodium

Species:

Desmodium ciliare

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

3-4 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug, sep, oct

Bloom Colors:

White, Purple, Violet

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to open, sandy areas; tolerates drought