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Description
Desmodium Illinoense, commonly known as Illinois tick-trefoil, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to North America and is usually found in open woods, prairies, and savannas. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of about 2 feet. The plant produces small pink to purple flowers that bloom from July to September. Desmodium Illinoense is often used for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and as an ornamental plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
Appearance
Desmodium Illinoense has a slender stem with alternate, trifoliate leaves that are between 2 and 5 inches long. The leaflets are ovate to elliptical in shape and have pointed tips. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the lower surface is lighter in color. The plant produces clusters of small pink to purple flowers that are about 1/4 inch long. The flowers bloom from July to September, and the plant produces flattened, oblong seed pods that are about 1/2 inch long.
Care Guide
Desmodium Illinoense is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Here are some care tips to ensure your plant thrives:
Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Desmodium Illinoense grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Desmodium Illinoense is generally pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. Use an insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Desmodium Illinoense is native to North America and is usually found in open woods, prairies, and savannas. It is often used for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Desmodium Illinoense edible?
A: No, Desmodium Illinoense is not edible.
Q: Can Desmodium Illinoense tolerate drought?
A: While Desmodium Illinoense is drought-tolerant, it prefers regular watering.
Q: Does Desmodium Illinoense attract bees?
A: Yes, the small pink to purple flowers of Desmodium Illinoense attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can Desmodium Illinoense be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Desmodium Illinoense can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Related Plants
- Desmodium Canadense
- Desmodium Gyrans
- Desmodium Glabellum
- Desmodium Paniculatum
References
- “Desmodium Illinoense – Illinois Tick-trefoil.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 4 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c389.
- “Desmodium Illinoense.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 4 May 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DEIL.
- “Desmodium Illinoense.” Illinois Wildflowers. Accessed 4 May 2021. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/il_tick-trefoilx.htm.
