Sessile-Leaved Tick Clover
Common Name: Sessile-Leaved Tickclover
Other Names: Sessile-Leaf Ticktrefoil
Species Name: Desmodium sessilifolium
Plant Type: Legume
Family Name: Fabaceae, Pea Family
Examples of Sessile-Leaved Tickclover Desmodium sessilifolium
| Plant Facts | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Native |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Distribution in the U.S. | Eastern half starting from eastern Kansas and Texas |
| Distribution in Oklahoma | Throughout the state |
ID Characteristics
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Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Bare branching stems at top baring flowers/seed pods
- Large leaves with 3 leaflets per leaf; 2 tiny leaves at base of leaf branches
- Leaves attached directly to stems
- Erect, slender plant
Floral
- Flowers pink, purple or white
- Seed pods triangular; usually 1-3 joined together
- Seed pods break apart at maturity; clings to most materials
-
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Leaf Type: Compound, 1-pinnately
- Leaf Arrangement:Alternate
- Leaf Shape: Oblong to lanceolate
- Stipules: Present
-
Floral Characteristics
- Petal Number: 5, fused
- Flower Color:Pinkish or lavender or white
- Flower Timing: July-October
- Fruit Type: Loments (flattened)
| Habitat/Ecology | |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Sandy or loamy soils |
| Habitat | Open woods or prairie hillsides, stream valleys and along roadsides |
| Successional Stage | Mid to late |