Showy Tick-Trefoil - Desmodium canadense (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Showy Tick-Trefoil

Also known as: Canadian Tick-Trefoil, Tick Trefoil

Showy Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium canadense) lives up to the adjective modifying its common name when, in mid-summer, stunning fuchsia flowers make their appearance. It’s a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning that its roots are colonized by bacteria that extract nitrogen from the air, which the plant then uses, contributing nitrogen to the soil in the process.

Scientific classification

Species

Showy Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium canadense)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

60 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Pink, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Showy Tick-Trefoil

Care Guide for Showy Tick-Trefoil

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Showy Tick-Trefoil, native to North American prairies, thrives in moderate humidity and consistent moisture without waterlogging. Weekly watering supports its growth. It flourishes outdoors, benefiting from natural rainfall, making it ideal for regions with regular precipitation cycles.

Fertilize: For showy Tick-Trefoil, use a balanced fertilizer sparingly in early spring to enhance growth and blooming. Apply granular fertilizer to the soil, adjusting feeding with the seasons. Water thoroughly after fertilization to aid absorption and prevent root burn; avoid over-fertilizing to maintain natural growth patterns.

Pruning: Showy Tick-Trefoil thrives with early to late spring pruning, promoting rejuvenation and flowering. Remove dead or damaged stems for health, and thin the canopy for airflow to prevent fungal issues. Regular pruning boosts shape and vigor, encouraging more blooms. Consult local horticultural sources for tailored practices.

Propagation: Showy Tick-Trefoil is a perennial herb valued for ornamental and wildlife benefits. Propagate by collecting triangular seeds from mature brown pods. Sow in fertile, well-draining medium at a shallow depth. Stratification improves germination. Maintain consistent moisture and protect seedlings from frost.

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