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Description
Desmodium Glabellum, commonly known as smooth tick-trefoil or smooth beggarweed, is a perennial plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern United States from Texas to Florida and north to Illinois and New York. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has a woody stem. It produces small purple flowers in the summer and fall, and its leaves are trifoliate and alternate on the stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
Appearance
The smooth tick-trefoil has a woody stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It produces trifoliate leaves that are alternate on the stem. The leaves are light green and have a smooth texture. The plant produces small purple flowers in the summer and fall that are arranged in clusters. The flowers have a unique shape, with a curved upper petal and two lower petals that are fused together. The plant also produces small pods that contain seeds.
Care Guide
The smooth tick-trefoil is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The plant needs to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilization is not necessary, as the plant can fix nitrogen from the air. The plant can survive in a wide range of hardiness zones, from 5 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The smooth tick-trefoil is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is waterlogged. The plant can also be attacked by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The smooth tick-trefoil is native to North America and can be found in the eastern United States from Texas to Florida and north to Illinois and New York. The plant prefers open areas such as fields, pastures, and roadsides. It can also grow in disturbed areas such as abandoned fields and along railroad tracks. The plant is often used for erosion control and as a forage crop for livestock.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the smooth tick-trefoil a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, the smooth tick-trefoil is often used for erosion control due to its deep root system.
Q: Can the smooth tick-trefoil be used as a forage crop?
A: Yes, the smooth tick-trefoil is a good forage crop for livestock.
Q: Does the smooth tick-trefoil require fertilization?
A: No, the smooth tick-trefoil can fix nitrogen from the air and does not require fertilization.
Q: What is the hardiness zone range for the smooth tick-trefoil?
A: The smooth tick-trefoil can survive in hardiness zones 5 to 10.
Related Plants
- Desmodium paniculatum
- Desmodium triflorum
- Desmodium canadense
- Desmodium tortuosum
References
- Bonner, J. (2018). Desmodium glabellum. Southeastern Flora.
- USDA Plants Database. (2021). Desmodium glabellum (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC. Plants Profile.
- USDA NRCS. (2019). PLANTS Profile for Desmodium glabellum (smooth ticktrefoil).
