Common names: panicled tick clover

Scientific names: Desmodium paniculatum (D. dillenii, D. glabellum, D. perplexum, Meibomia paniculata, M. dillenii, M. pubens)

Seasons of significant use: summer (for Desmodium spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial, warm season forb to 5.0 feet. Stems 1-several, from base; leaves alternate, pinnately trifoliolate compound; leaflets 3, extremely variable in shape, if leaflets are 3-8 times longer than wide and slightly hairy to smooth on lower surface then it is C. paniculatum var. paniculatum, if leaflets are 1.5-3 times longer than wide and thickish and moderately hairy on the lower surface then it is D. paniculatum var. dillenii, stipels present; stipules and bracts not prominent; inflorescences axillary and terminal; fruit is 1-6 jointed loment, densely covered with short hooked hairs. Flowers May-September.

Plant community type: Open areas and wooded-open edge situations.

Comments: Responds favorably to late winter-early spring burns.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family