How to identify Tick clover (Desmodium)

Photo By Cecil Smith , used under CC-BY /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Tick clover (Desmodium)

Tick clover, also known as Beggar lice, Tick-trefoils

Tick clover is characterized by its woody, trailing growth habit with stems that can intertwine or sprawl. Leaves are typically in clusters of three, which reflects its identity within the legume family. Notable are the hairy seedpods which possess a unique sticking mechanism that allows them to attach to passersby. When mature, the plant may display small, inconspicuous flowers that are often purple, pink, or white. Its ability to fix nitrogen reveals its soil-enriching qualities, with foliage that ranges from 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length.

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Tick clover

Trifoliate compound leaves with light green upper surface and whitish green underside, featuring fine hooked hairs.

Pale purple or white flowers blooming sparsely along an elongated raceme, attracting diverse pollinators.

Distinctive triangular seed pods with a hairy texture, capable of adhering to fur and clothing.

Green, erect stem with a pubescent texture, branching to produce clusters of pink or rose-purple flowers.

Woody, trailing plant with mature foliage measuring 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length, showcasing nitrogen-fixing qualities.

Detailed Traits of Tick clover

Leaf Features

Tick clover has alternate, trifoliate, compound leaves. The leaflets are light green on the top surface and whitish green below, featuring prominent veins and fine hooked hairs. Each leaflet measures up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, with a lanceolate-oblong or lanceolate-ovate shape. The smooth margins and leathery texture are notable, with rounded bases and typically blunt tips, making them distinctively identifiable.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Tick clover's flowers are pale purple or white, each blooming sparsely along an elongated raceme that reaches about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in length. These delicate flowers usually bloom a few at a time and attract various pollinators. They feature multiple petals arranged symmetrically, creating an appealing pattern. Tick clover typically blooms in late summer, adding a subtle, serene touch of color to its surroundings.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of tick clover is green, erect, and covered with fine hairs, giving it a pubescent texture. It can grow to a moderate thickness of about 0.2 to 0.8 inches (0.5 to 2 cm). The stem often follows a branching pattern where multiple clusters of pink or rose-purple flowers emerge. This stem is crucial for identification due to its combination of color, upright posture, and soft, hairy surface.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of tick clover is characterized by a distinctive, hairy seed pod that assumes a triangular shape. Upon reaching maturity, the pods exhibit a notable property of adhering to fur and clothing, which facilitates their distribution by animals and humans alike. Commonly green to brown in color, the texture of the pod is rough, aiding in its ability to cling. Typically, these seed pods appear in segmented forms, making it possible for them to break into smaller units for germination. This adaptability contributes to their prolific nature, sometimes leading to a weedy presence in their environment.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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