Trailing Tick-Trefoil
(Desmodium procumbens var. neomexicanum)
Trailing Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium procumbens var. neomexicanum)
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Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Eugene, Oregon
This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
• Precipitation | 20" - 39" | 50" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
• High Temp. | 78°F - 95°F | 83°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
• Low Temp. | 25°F - 46°F | 34°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Desmodium procumbens var. neomexicanum, commonly known as Trailing Tick-Trefoil or New Mexico Tick-Trefoil, is a perennial herb native to grasslands, open woodlands, and along stream banks in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It typically sprawls close to the ground, reaching a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) with a similar spread. This plant features trifoliate leaves and produces clusters of small, pink to purple flowers from late summer into fall, which are attractive to pollinators. The flowers give way to jointed seed pods that stick to clothing and fur, aiding in seed dispersal.
Trailing Tick-Trefoil is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it beneficial for soil health and an excellent choice for naturalized areas or wildlife gardens. It is also used for erosion control due to its spreading habit. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, though it prefers medium draining loam or sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in both full sun and part shade conditions. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from fungal issues in overly moist conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Trailing Tick-Trefoil is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it beneficial for soil health and an excellent choice for naturalized areas or wildlife gardens. It is also used for erosion control due to its spreading habit. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, though it prefers medium draining loam or sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in both full sun and part shade conditions. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from fungal issues in overly moist conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type:
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands, open woodlands, and along stream banks
Other Names
Common Names: New Mexico Tick-Trefoil
Scientific Names: Desmodium procumbens var. neomexicanum , Desmodium bigelovii , Desmodium bigelowii , Desmodium humile , Desmodium lilloanum , Desmodium neomexicanum , Desmodium neomexicanum var. bigelovii , Desmodium neomexicanum var. bigelowii , Desmodium neomexicanum var. glabellum , Desmodium parvum
GBIF Accepted Name: Desmodium procumbens var. neomexicanum