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Common Name: Sessile-Leaved Tickclover

Other Names: Sessile-Leaf Ticktrefoil

Species Name: Desmodium sessilifolium

Plant Type: Legume

Family Name: Fabaceae, Pea Family

 

 

 

 

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

  • 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

 

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