Desmodium canadense 'Showy Tick Trefoil'

Desmodium canadense, also known as showy tick trefoil or Canadian tick trefoil, is a perennial herb in the pea family (Fabaceae) native to North America. It is typically found in wet meadows, along streams, and in other damp habitats.

It is typically between 3-5 ft tall and has leaves that are made up of 3-5 leaflets. The flowers are pink or purple, and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. It blooms from July to September.

Desmodium canadense, commonly known as showy tick trefoil or Canadian tick trefoil, prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial to full sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils, but it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate some shade, but it flowers and grows best in full sun. It can also tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. D. canadense is tolerant of wet soil conditions, making it well-suited to grow in areas that are prone to flooding or that have high water tables. It is also tolerant of drought conditions once it is established. It is also known to be frost tolerant and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

One of the unique attributes of D. canadense is that its leaves and stem are covered in fine, sensitive hairs that can detect the touch of grazing animals, causing the leaves to droop away from the animal and thus avoiding being eaten. It is a member of the genus Desmodium, which is known for its nitrogen-fixing properties, making it a valuable plant for improving soil fertility in agricultural settings.