Hairy Small-Leaf Ticktrefoil
Desmodium ciliare
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © mjpapay (iNaturalist #183267353)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Desmodium
- Species:
- Desmodium ciliare
- USDA Symbol:
- DECI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades), Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, small mammals
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or hot water) followed by cold stratification.