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Description
Desmodium Canadense, also known as showy tick trefoil, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in wet meadows, streambanks, and other moist habitats.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
Appearance
Desmodium Canadense can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has alternate, trifoliate leaves that are ovate to elliptic in shape and can be up to 4 inches long. The flowers of Desmodium Canadense are pink to purple in color and are arranged in long, dense spikes. The plant blooms from July to September.
Care Guide
Desmodium Canadense is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant Desmodium Canadense in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Desmodium Canadense is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Desmodium Canadense is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too waterlogged. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater.
Habitat
Desmodium Canadense is native to North America and can be found in wet meadows, streambanks, and other moist habitats. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Desmodium Canadense a good choice for a wetland garden?
A: Yes, Desmodium Canadense is a great choice for a wetland garden as it is native to moist habitats and can tolerate wet soil.
Q: Can Desmodium Canadense be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Desmodium Canadense can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough and the soil is well-draining.
Q: Does Desmodium Canadense attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Desmodium Canadense is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its showy flowers.
Q: Can Desmodium Canadense be propagated by seed?
A: Yes, Desmodium Canadense can be propagated by seed. Sow the seeds in the fall or early spring for best results.
Related Plants
- Desmodium glutinosum
- Desmodium gyrans
- Desmodium incanum
- Desmodium paniculatum
References
- “Desmodium Canadense (L.) DC. – Plants of the World Online – Kew Science.” Plants of the World Online, 2021, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:493212-1. Accessed 27 Sept. 2021.
- “Desmodium Canadense (L.) DC.” USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=deca7. Accessed 27 Sept. 2021.
