pointed-leaved tick-trefoil

LC - Least Concern

N5? - Secure

SNR - Unranked

not listed

The leaf is divided into three broadly oval leaflets that taper to a distinct long point. The leaves are clustered at one point beneath the inflorescence, making them appear whorled.

The inflorescence is at the tip of a long stalk at the end of the stem.

The fruit/seed pod is usually divided into 2 or 3 rounded, triangular segments, sometimes 1, sometimes 4.

24″ to 60″, usually 36″ or less

Pink to pale purple, or white

Moist to moderately dry. Woodland paths, railways, roadways. Rich soil. Partial sun to medium shade.

July to August

Sources

2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 24, 28, 29, 30.

Native

Common

This species was formerly classified as Desmodium glutinosum. A recent redescription of section (or subgenus) Podocarpium of the genus Desmodium (Ohashi and Mill, 2000) proposed moving fourteen species in the Podocarpium section to a new genus Hylodesmum. Most of the species occur in China, but three occur in North America. The proposal was widely but not universally accepted. ITIS and USDA PLANTS continue to use the name Desmodium glutinosum.

Plant

Flower close-up

Plant

Leaves

Leaf

Location: Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Fairly abundant. I learned that this plant produces seed pods that stick to your clothes