Native Plants
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Desmodium psilophyllum
Desmodium psilophyllum Schltdl.
Simpleleaf Ticktrefoil, Wright's Tickclover, Beggar's Ticks, Sticktights
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s): Desmodium wrightii, Meibomia psilophylla
USDA Symbol: DEPS2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The little tickclover plants become a nuisance in the fall; their seeds are detached at the slightest touch and cling tenaciously to clothing by the numerous tiny, hooked hairs. The plant’s several branches grow from ground level, 1-3 feet tall. Leaves are alternate, 2-3 inches long and half that wide. Flowers are at the tops of the main stems, on 1/2-inch flower stems. They are light to dark pink, 1/4 inch long and 2-lipped.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , Blue , Purple , VioletBloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: Blue or pinkish purple to violet fading to blue.
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXHerbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 0657 Collected Jun 6 1992 in Medina County by Harry CliffeNPSOT 0925 Collected Sep 17, 1994 in Bexar County by Mike Fox
NPSOT 0675 Collected Jul 18, 1992 in Bandera County by Harry Cliffe
NPSOT 0608 Collected May 13, 1992 in Medina County by Harry Cliffe
Bibliography
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. LoughmillerSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Desmodium psilophyllum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Desmodium psilophyllum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Desmodium psilophyllum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-04Research By: TWC Staff