Pointedleaf Ticktrefoil
(Hylodesmum glutinosum)
Pointedleaf Ticktrefoil (Hylodesmum glutinosum)
/
/
Melissa McMasters
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Melissa McMasters
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Melissa McMasters | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: cricketsblog | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Hylodesmum glutinosum, commonly known as Pointedleaf Ticktrefoil, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist woodland edges and meadows, primarily found in Eastern North America. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant has compound leaves with pointed leaflets and produces clusters of small, pink to purplish flowers in the summer which are moderately showy. The flowers give way to sticky seed pods that adhere to clothing and fur, aiding in seed dispersal.
Pointedleaf Ticktrefoil 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. In cultivation, it prefers partial shade to full sun and adapts to a range of soil conditions, though it thrives in moist, well-drained soils. While it is not commonly found in formal garden settings, it can be used in native plant gardens or as a part of a meadow planting. It is relatively low maintenance but can spread aggressively, so it may require management to keep it in check. It is generally pest and disease-free but can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pointedleaf Ticktrefoil 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. In cultivation, it prefers partial shade to full sun and adapts to a range of soil conditions, though it thrives in moist, well-drained soils. While it is not commonly found in formal garden settings, it can be used in native plant gardens or as a part of a meadow planting. It is relatively low maintenance but can spread aggressively, so it may require management to keep it in check. It is generally pest and disease-free but can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Moist woodland edges and meadows in Eastern North America
Other Names
Common Names: Clustered-Leaved Tick-Trefoil, Beggar’s Lice, Large Tick-Trefoil, Large-Flowered Tick-Clover, Pointed Tick-Trefoil, Pointed-Leaved Tick-Trefoil, Desmodie Glutineuse
Scientific Names: , Desmodium glutinosum, Hylodesmum glutinosum, Desmodium acuminatum, Desmodium grandiflorum, Meibomia grandiflora, Desmodium glutinosum f. chandonnetii, Meibomia grandiflora var. chandonnetii, Hedysarum erythrinaefolium, Desmodium acuminatum f. unifoliolatum
GBIF Accepted Name: Hylodesmum glutinosum (Muhl. ex Willd.) H.Ohashi & R.R.Mill