Desmodium strictum Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Desmodium strictum (Pursh) DC. – Pinebarren Tricktrefoil

Desmodium strictum plant

FamilyFabaceae

Stems:

Desmodium strictum stem

Leaves:

Desmodium strictum leaves

Inflorescence:

Desmodium strictum inflorescence

Flowers:

Desmodium strictum flowers

Desmodium strictum calyxCalyx.

Desmodium strictum fruitFruit.

Desmodium strictum fruitMature fruit.

Flowering – July – October.

Habitat – Sandhills, pine flatwoods, dry hammocks.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This species can be found in the southern half of Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its uncinulate-puberulent stems, small flowers, and linear leaflets. The plant typically produces 1-2 loments per flower.
The genus name Desmodium derives from the Greek “desm(o)” meaning “a band, bond, ligament, chain” referring to the loments.
The species epithet strictum derives from the Latin “strict” meaning “tight, drawn together” referring to ?

Alabama Distribution:

Desmodium strictum map

Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 10-9-05.