Desmodium tweedyi is an herbaceous flowering plant in the pea family native to northern Texas and southern Oklahoma popularly known as "Tweedy's ticktrefoil" or "tick-clover." The legume or seed pod it produces has given the species its common names from its ability to cling to clothing. Along with other species in the Desmodium genus, D. tweedyi has become a candidate for soil enrichment, suppression of insect pests, mulch and green manure production, and making "good fodder for animals including bobwhite, turkey, grouse, deer, cattle and goats."
Tweedy's ticktrefoil is fairly disease-resistant and usually not prone to illnesses. However, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its surroundings. These infections are typically mild. For care, the plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to keep a tidy appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Tweedy's ticktrefoil is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Desmodium Tweedyi.
Light
Tweedy's ticktrefoil is a sun-loving, herbaceous perennial that comes from open habitats and commonly grows in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.
Temperature
Tweedy's ticktrefoil can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures both raise the chance that Tweedy's ticktrefoil will die. In winter, protecting the plant from harsh cold can increase its survival rate.
Fertilizer
Usually a single fertilizer application in spring is enough for Tweedy's ticktrefoil, though multiple feedings can maximize growth. Apply every month to six weeks. Fertilizing improves leaf appearance and function, helping them retain even color and a healthy texture. It also encourages root development and enhances nutrient uptake for long-term plant health.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Desmodium
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Size
- 0.76 cm to 1.27 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall
Other names.
