Status:
valid
Authors:
(Aubl.) J.F.Macbr.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1930
Citation Micro:
Publ. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Bot. Ser.8: 101 (1930)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000177100
Common Names
- Desmodium distortum
- Tick-trefoil
- Strap-Leaf
Synonyms
- Desmodium pabulare Hoehne [valid]
- Desmodium perrottetii DC. [valid]
- Desmodium violaceum G.Don [valid]
- Meibomia distorta perrottetii (DC.) Schindl. [valid]
- Desmodium asperum (Poir.) Desv. [valid]
- Desmodium spectabile Miq. [valid]
- Hedysarum asperum Poir. [valid]
- Hedysarum distortum Aubl. [valid]
- Meibomia aspera michelii Schindl. [valid]
- Meibomia aspera Kuntze [valid]
- Meibomia distorta (Aubl.) Schindl. [valid]
- Desmodium rubiginosum Benth. [valid]
- Desmodium elatum Kunth [valid]
- Meibomia matto-grossensis Hoehne [valid]
- Hedysarum giganteum J.St.-Hil. ex Desv. [valid]
- Meibomia elata Kuntze [valid]
- Meibomia pabularis (Hoehne) Hoehne [valid]
- Meibomia violacea Kuntze [valid]
- Desmodium distortum pabulare (Hoehne) Hoehne [valid]
- Meibomia distorta pabularis Schindl. [valid]
- Meibomia distorta macrophylla (Benth.) Schindl. [valid]
- Desmodium distortum perrottetii (DC.) Schindl. [unknown]
- Hedysarum canescens Aubl. [illegitimate]
Description
Desmodium distortum (also called Twisted Ticktrefoil, among many other common names) is an annual herb native to North America. It has small, trifoliate leaves and pink or purple flowers. It grows in moist, open areas such as meadows and fields.
Uses & Benefits
Desmodium distortum is used as a natural soil conditioner and fertilizer. It is also used as a cover crop to reduce soil erosion and to improve soil fertility.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Desmodium distortum has small, white flowers that bloom in clusters. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings have long, thin stems with compound leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Desmodium distortum can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants and planted in a well-drained soil mix. Both should be kept in a warm, sunny location and watered regularly.
Where to Find Desmodium distortum
Desmodium distortum can be found in the Mexican states of Guerrero, Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz.
Desmodium distortum FAQ
What is the common name of Desmodium distortum?
Twisted Tick-trefoil
What is the growth habit of Desmodium distortum?
It is an annual or biennial herb that grows up to 1 m tall.
What is the native range of Desmodium distortum?
It is native to North America.
Species in the Desmodium genus
Desmodium affine,
Desmodium ambiguum,
Desmodium amplifolium,
Desmodium angustatum,
Desmodium angustifolium,
Desmodium arechavaletae,
Desmodium arizonicum,
Desmodium batocaulon,
Desmodium bellum,
Desmodium bioculatum,
Desmodium bridgesii,
Desmodium callilepis,
Desmodium campyloclados,
Desmodium canaliculatum,
Desmodium chartaceum,
Desmodium chiapense,
Desmodium cinerascens,
Desmodium coloniense,
Desmodium conzattii,
Desmodium cordistipulum,
Desmodium crassum,
Desmodium cubense,
Desmodium cuneatum,
Desmodium delotum,
Desmodium densiflorum,
Desmodium denudatum,
Desmodium fernaldii,
Desmodium floridanum,
Desmodium foliosum,
Desmodium ghiesbreghtii,
Desmodium glabrescens,
Desmodium gracile,
Desmodium grahamii,
Desmodium guadalajaranum,
Desmodium hartwegianum,
Desmodium hassleri,
Desmodium helleri,
Desmodium illinoense,
Desmodium infractum,
Desmodium intermedium,
Desmodium jaliscanum,
Desmodium johnstonii,
Desmodium lamprocarpum,
Desmodium lavanduliflorum,
Desmodium leptoclados,
Desmodium limense,
Desmodium lindheimeri,
Desmodium longiarticulatum,
Desmodium luteolum,
Desmodium macrodesmum,
Species in the Fabaceae family