Desmodium canadense facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Desmodium canadense |
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D. canadense
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| Desmodium canadense |
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Hedysarum canadense |
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Desmodium canadense is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the legume family, called Fabaceae. This plant is native to the eastern parts of North America. You might know it by its common names like showy tick-trefoil, Canadian tick-trefoil, or Canada tickclover.
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What is Showy Tick-Trefoil?
The showy tick-trefoil is a plant that grows quite tall. It can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet (about 1 to 2 meters). It has pretty pink or purple flowers that bloom in late summer. These flowers grow in long clusters.
Its leaves are made of three leaflets. This is why it's sometimes called "trefoil," meaning "three leaves." The plant also produces small, flat pods. These pods are covered in tiny hairs.
Why is it Called "Tick-Trefoil"?
The name "tick-trefoil" might sound a bit strange. It comes from how the plant's seeds behave. The small, flat pods break into segments. Each segment contains one seed.
These segments are covered in tiny, hooked hairs. When you walk past the plant, these segments can easily stick to your clothes. They also stick to animal fur. This helps the plant spread its seeds to new places. They stick just like a tick might!
Where Does Showy Tick-Trefoil Grow?
This plant is very adaptable. It can be found in many different places. You might see it growing in open prairies. It also likes to grow in woodlands.
Sometimes, it grows in places where the ground has been disturbed. This includes areas along roadsides. It is a tough plant that can thrive in various conditions.
A Home for Butterflies
Showy tick-trefoil is very important for many insects. It is a special "host plant" for several types of butterflies. This means that butterfly larvae, also known as caterpillars, eat its leaves.
Some of the butterflies that use this plant include:
- The eastern tailed-blue butterfly
- The silver-spotted skipper
- The hoary edge skipper
These butterflies lay their eggs on the plant. When the eggs hatch, the caterpillars have food to eat. This helps them grow and turn into beautiful butterflies.
How People Use This Plant
People sometimes grow showy tick-trefoil on purpose. It is used as an ornamental plant. This means it is grown for its beauty. Its lovely pink and purple flowers make gardens look very attractive.
It can also be used to improve soil. As a legume, it can add nitrogen to the soil. This helps other plants grow better. It's a useful and pretty plant!
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