Description
Desmodium glabellum (Michx.) DC. is a plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as smooth tick-trefoil due to its distinct legume seedpods that attach to passing animals, like ticks. The plant is an herbaceous perennial that has adaptations to drought and infertile soils. It is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen through nodules on its roots, which supports its growth in poor soils.
Origin
Desmodium glabellum is native to eastern and central North America, including the United States and Canada. It grows in various habitats, including dry prairies, rocky woodlands, and sandy soils.
Common Names
Aside from smooth tick-trefoil, Desmodium glabellum also goes by other common names such as tick-trefoil, small-leaf tick-trefoil, and rough tick-trefoil.
Uses
Desmodium glabellum has several uses, both medicinal and ecological. It has been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and fever. The plant contains alkaloids and flavonoids which can have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.
Ecologically, Desmodium glabellum can be helpful in improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and preventing soil erosion due to its fibrous roots. The plant is also an excellent source of food for livestock such as sheep and deer, who graze on its leaves and stems, contributing to ecological and agricultural sustainability.
General Appearance
Desmodium glabellum has a height of 20 to 60 centimeters with a smooth, upright stem. Its leaves are trifoliate, with a length of 1.5 to 5 centimeters, and have a dark green color. The inflorescence of Desmodium glabellum is a spiky arrangement of pink-purple flowers that bloom during summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant's seedpods are slender, coiled, and covered in stiff hairs, which makes them stick to passing animals and spreads the plant to new locations.
Light Requirements
Desmodium glabellum requires full sun exposure or partial shade to grow properly. It can tolerate some shade, but it does best in areas where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
The best temperature range for growing Desmodium glabellum is between 60-85°F (15-29°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) as long as the soil is not too wet, but it cannot survive freezing temperatures. In areas with high temperatures, it is important to make sure the soil has adequate moisture to prevent the plant from drying out.
Soil Requirements
Desmodium glabellum prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it requires good drainage. The plant can grow in soils that are slightly acidic or slightly alkaline, as long as the soil is fertile and does not become waterlogged.
Cultivation
Desmodium glabellum, also known as tick-trefoil, is a perennial herb that belongs to the legume family. It grows well in USDA zones 5-8 and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. The plant requires a sufficient amount of nutrients, water, and sunlight for growth.
It is easy to propagate tick-trefoil through seeds. Sow the seeds in early spring in well-drained soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings are four to six inches tall, transplant them into their permanent location.
Watering needs
Desmodium glabellum requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Check the soil regularly to ensure that the soil is evenly moist. Reduce the frequency of watering during the dormant season to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Tick-trefoil does not require heavy fertilization. Fertilize the plant once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to encourage leafy growth and phosphorus for root development. Apply the fertilizer according to the instruction on the package.
Pruning
Desmodium glabellum does not require frequent pruning. However, you can prune the plant to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Prune the plant in early spring before the new growth appears. Cut back the top growth by a third of its length. Remove any dead or damaged stems.
Propagation of Desmodium glabellum
Desmodium glabellum can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods. Here are the details of both:
Propagation through Seed
The seeds of Desmodium glabellum can be sown directly in the field during the early spring season. Here are the steps for propagating through seed:
- Collect the seeds during their mature phase in the fall season
- Ensure that the seeds are as dry as possible before storing them in a cool, dry place
- Sow the seeds directly in the soil during early spring
- Ensure that the soil is slightly moist and well-draining
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and press lightly
- Water the seeds regularly until germination
Propagation through Vegetative Methods
Desmodium glabellum can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as stem cuttings. Here are the steps:
- Take 5-6 inch long cuttings from the plant during the spring or summer season
- Ensure that the cutting has at least 3-4 healthy leaves
- Remove all the leaves except for the top two
- Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix
- Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a humid environment to promote root growth
- Once the roots are well-established, transplant the cuttings in the desired location
Propagation through either of these methods can result in a healthy, mature plant of Desmodium glabellum.
Disease Management
Desmodium glabellum (Michx.) DC. is susceptible to a range of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These can cause severe damage to the plant, affecting its overall growth and development. Here are some common diseases that can affect Desmodium glabellum and ways to manage them:
1. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. Symptoms include dark spots on the leaves, which can lead to leaf drop, and cankers on the stems. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant material. Fungicides can also be applied preventively before the onset of the disease.
2. Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering or poorly drained soils. Symptoms include wilting and yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is important to improve soil drainage and to avoid over-watering. Fungicides can also be applied preventively before the onset of the disease.
3. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves and stems of the plant. Symptoms include a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant material. Fungicides can also be applied preventively before the onset of the disease.
Pest Management
Desmodium glabellum can also attract a range of pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
1. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause a stippling effect on the leaves. They can also cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant material. Insecticides can also be applied preventively before the onset of the pest.
2. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves, causing a yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage whiteflies, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant material. Insecticidal soaps can also be applied preventively before the onset of the pest.
3. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied pests that can suck the sap from the plant, causing a distortion of growth and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant material. Insecticides can also be applied preventively before the onset of the pest.
