pointedleaf ticktrefoil

Desmodium glutinosum

Description:

Pointedleaf ticktrefoil (Desmodium glutinosum) is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. Below is a breakdown of its morphology and ecology:

Morphology (Physical Characteristics)

Leaves:
- Compound with three leaflets (trifoliate).
- The leaflets are ovate to lance-shaped with pointed tips, giving the plant its common name.
- Upper leaf surface is usually smooth or slightly rough, while the underside can be more hairy.
Height:
- Grows between 1 to 3 feet (30–90 cm) tall.
Flowers:
- Small, pea-like flowers in light pink to purple shades.
- Blooms in mid to late summer (July through September).
- Flowers are arranged in racemes along the upper part of the stem.
Fruit:
- Produces flat, segmented pods (loments) that break apart easily.
- Each segment contains a single seed and is covered in tiny hooked hairs, helping it attach to animals (a mechanism known as epizoochory).
Stems:
- The stems are sticky or covered with glandular hairs, giving the plant a “glutinous” feel (which aligns with its species name, glutinosum).

Ecology (Habitat and Role in Ecosystem)

Habitat:
- Found primarily in woodlands, forests, and shady clearings, especially in rich, moist soils.
- Thrives in both deciduous forests and along forest edges, preferring partial to full shade.
Distribution:
- Native to the eastern and central United States and parts of southeastern Canada.
Pollination:
- Pollinated by a variety of insects, particularly bees that are attracted to the nectar and flowers.
Seed Dispersal:
- The plant uses epizoochory (dispersal by attaching to animal fur or human clothing) to spread its seeds.
Ecological Role:
- Nitrogen fixation: Like other legumes, pointedleaf ticktrefoil forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, improving soil fertility.
- Wildlife support: Provides food and habitat for bees and other insects. The seeds are consumed by some small mammals and birds.
Adaptations:
- Sticky pods aid in seed dispersal, increasing the plant’s reach.
- Tolerance for low-light conditions allows it to thrive under forest canopies where competition for light is high.

This plant plays a key role in forest ecosystems by contributing to soil health and supporting insect populations.

Details:

pointedleaf ticktrefoil

USDA Symbol:	Common Name:	Scientific Name:
DEGL5	pointedleaf ticktrefoil	Hylodesmum glutinosum

ITIS TSN: 25800

Category: Dicot

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae

Subkingdom:

Super Division: Spermatophyta

Division: Magnoliophyta

Subdivision:

Class: Magnoliopsida

SubClass: Rosidae

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Counties: Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Burnett, Calumet, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Door, Dunn, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Forest, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, La Crosse, Lafayette, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Racine, Richland, Rock, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Wood

Natural Community: Southern Red Oak-Mixed Forest

Curtis Community: Southern Dry Forest, Southern Dry-mesic Forest

Coefficient of Conservation: 6

Duration:	Growth Habit:	Native Status:
Perennial	Forb/herb	L48(N)CAN(N)

NR40 Listed Plant	Noxious Weed:	Invasive Species (NR40):	Threatened/Endangered:	WI Natural Heritage Index:	Wetland Status

Active Growth Period:

After Harvest Regrowth Rate:

Bloat:

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Coppice Potential:

Conspicuous Fall Color:

Fire Resistant:

Flower Color:

Conspicuous Flower:

Foliage Color:

Foliage Light Porosity Summer:

Foliage Porosity Winter:

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Known Alelopath:

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Toxicity:

Height (min): 24

Height (max): 60

Root Type:

Leaf Type:

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Leaf Shape:

Leaf Margin:

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Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils:

Adapted to Medium Textured Soils:

Adapted to Fine Textured Soils:

Anaerobic Tolerance:

CaCO3 Tolerance:

Cold Stratification Required:

Drought Tolerance:

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_Fire Tolerance:

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Hedge Tolerance:

Moisture Use: Low, Medium

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Propogated by Bare Root:	Propogated by Bulbs:	Propogated by Container:

Propogated by Corms:	Propogated by Cuttings:	Propogated by Seed:

Propogated by Sod:	Propogated by Sprigs:	Propogated by Tubers:

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Small Grain:	Vegetative Spread Rate:	Propagation Treatment:

Days to Stratify:	Direct Sowing Time:

Benefits:

Berry/Nut/Seed Product:	Christmas Tree Product:	Fodder Product:
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Fuelwood Product:	Lumber Product:	Naval Store Product:
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Nursery Stock Product:	Palatable Browse Animal:	Palatable Graze Animal:
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Palatable Human:	Post Product:	Protein Potential:
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Pulpwood Product:	Veneer Product:
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Benefits:	Wildlife Food Value:	Wildlife Cover Value:

References:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System – Amphicarpaea bracteata
USDA Plants Database – Amphicarpaea bracteata
WisFlora Database – Amphicarpaea bracteata