Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Desmodium

Species:

Desmodium cinereum

USDA Symbol:

DECI6

Growth Characteristics

Height:

120 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

pink, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rootstock following fire; often increases in abundance in fire-maintained grasslands and open woodlands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to open, dry habitats; 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:

Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Inoculation with appropriate Rhizobium may enhance establishment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI