Prostrate Ticktrefoil

Desmodium rotundifolium

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Desmodium
Species:
Desmodium rotundifolium

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade, Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul, sep
Bloom Colors:
Red, Pink, Purple

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 Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Caloptilia violacella, Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades), Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades), Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus), Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)

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:
Commonly found in open woods and fields