Hairy small-leaf ticktrefoil (Desmodium ciliare, Prodr. 2: 329 (1825))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 2: 329 (1825)

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Desmodium

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada, C. & E. U.S.A. to NE. Mexico, Honduras, Caribbean

Description

The Hairy Small-Leaf Ticktrefoil, scientifically named Desmodium ciliare, is a noteworthy species within the Fabaceae family. Initially described in 1825 as part of “Prodr. 2: 329”, this plant boasts a rich lineage with its nomenclature attributed to (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC.

Geographically, the Hairy Small-Leaf Ticktrefoil has a broad distribution. It can be observed extending from the southeastern regions of Canada, traversing through central and eastern parts of the United States, reaching as far south as northeastern Mexico and Honduras, and even gracing the Caribbean islands.

This plant is distinguished by its small leaves graced with a distinctive hairy texture, a characteristic that contributes to its common name. It thrives in a variety of habitats across its extensive range, reflecting its adaptability and ecological significance.

The Hairy Small-Leaf Ticktrefoil is a member of the legume family, known for their ecological role in nitrogen fixation, which enriches soil health and supports neighboring plant life. This feature, combined with its wide geographic presence, highlights its importance both environmentally and botanically.

Common Names

Eng: hairy small-leaf ticktrefoil, little-leaf tick-clover
En: Hairy small-leaf ticktrefoil, LITTLELEAF TICKCLOVER

Synonyms

• Hedysarum pobtusum (Muhl. ex Willd.)
• Hedysarum ciliare var. oblongifolium (Elliott)
• Meibomia ciliaris ((Muhl. ex Willd.) S.F.Blake)
• Lespedeza coriacea (Desv.)
• Desmodium ciliare var. lancifolium (Fernald & B.G.Schub.)
• Meibomia ciliaris var. acutifoliola (Schindl.)
• Desmodium marilandicum var. ciliare ((Muhl. ex Willd.) H.Ohashi)
• Meibomia ciliaris var. albiflora (Schindl.)
• Desmodium ciliosum (Hook.)
• Desmodium marilandicum var. lancifolium ((Fernald & B.G.Schub.) H.Ohashi)
• Hedysarum ciliare (Muhl. ex Willd.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2967713)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:491659-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Desmodium ciliare (Willd.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth