Panicled-leaf ticktrefoil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Panicled-leaf ticktrefoil |
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D. paniculatum
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| Desmodium paniculatum |
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The Panicled Ticktrefoil (scientific name: Desmodium paniculatum) is a type of plant in the pea family, called Fabaceae. It's a common plant that grows year after year, meaning it's a perennial herb. You can find it all over Eastern North America, from Quebec in Canada down to Florida in the United States. It also grows as far west as Texas, Nebraska, and Ontario.
This plant gets its name because its seeds are very sticky. They can easily attach to your clothes or shoes, just like a tick! You often see Panicled Ticktrefoil in sunny, open areas. These include places like roadsides, parks, and old fields that are no longer being farmed.
What Does Panicled Ticktrefoil Look Like?
The Panicled Ticktrefoil plant can grow up to about 3 feet (about 1 meter) tall. It stands upright and spreads out. Its leaves grow in an alternating pattern along the stem. Each leaf is made up of three smaller leaflets, which is why it's called "trifoliolate."
The leaflets are shaped like a spear or an oval. They are usually 2 to 10 times longer than they are wide. The small stalks that hold the flowers, called pedicels, are about 1 centimeter long.
The flowers of the Panicled Ticktrefoil are light pink or lavender. They grow in a branched cluster, which looks like a "panicle." You can usually see these pretty flowers from June through September.
The sticky seeds, called loments, are what many people find stuck to their clothes. These seeds are arranged in a row. Each seed pod has 2 to 6 segments. The top edge of each segment is wavy, and the bottom edge is shaped like a triangle. These seed pods appear later in the year, from August to October.
How Panicled Ticktrefoil Helps Animals
Scientists have studied the Panicled Ticktrefoil. They found that it is a valuable plant for animals, especially livestock. It's a native plant that can be used as food for animals grazing in pastures.
While it might not be as easy to digest or as rich in protein as some other plants, it's still a good source of protein. Farmers can use Panicled Ticktrefoil to feed their cows and other animals during the warmer months of the year. This helps keep the animals healthy and well-fed.
