Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil

Adaptation

This ticktrefoil prefers partial sun and dry to slightly dry conditions. It usually grows in soil that contains loam, clay-loam, or some kinds of rocky material. Its habitats include savannas, rocky upland forest, edges of wooded areas, thickets, and limestone glades (Hilty, 2013b).

Establishment

A clean, firm seedbed is essential for establishing panickledleaf ticktrefoil. A good seedbed can be prepared by disking and harrowing, following by cultipacking. Planting into no-till conditions can be effective provided weeds are controlled and residue is managed prior to planting. Good seed-to-soil contact is important for germination and establishment (USDA, 2008). Seed is variable in size and large seeds have a higher germination percentage than do small seeds (Wulff, 1986). The seedbed should be firm enough to allow the seed to be planted ⅛ to ¼ inch deep (USDA, 2008). Cultipacker seeders and band seeders followed by press wheels or a cultipacker help ensure shallow seed placement and good seed-to-soil contact. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer only as recommended by a soil test (USDA, 2008). Nitrogen fertilizer is not recommended since panicledleaf ticktrefoil fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere. Inoculating seeds with Rhizobium before planting is recommended (Shockley et al., 2011). Consult inoculant supplier for recommendations on specific Rhizobium strains for panicledleaf ticktrefoil. Seeding of panicledleaf ticktrefoil should be as part of a wildflower, legume, and grass mix developed to meet the objective of the planting. Seed can be planted in the spring or early fall. Early Fall seeding may be preferrable for longer establishment period prior to potentially hot and dry summer conditions. If fall planting is not possible due to weather, store seed dry at 34 – 36º F and plant in the spring.

Management

Reduce weed competition by mowing at a height that will not affect the ticktrefoil seedlings. For grassy weed control use a grass herbicide and follow label recommendation, as weed control will encourage a good stand. Note: Some herbicide products may not be registered on this legume species in your state.

Pests and Potential Problems

Japanese beetle adults feed on flowers and leaves. White mold has been observed on some Desmodium species (Observations at the Rose Lake Plant Materials Center, East Lansing, Michigan).

Environmental Concerns

Concerns

Concerns

No concerns at this time.

Control

Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely, Always read label and safety instructions for each control method, Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil.,

Seeds and Plant Production

Plant Production

Plant Production

Panicledleaf ticktrefoil produces seed annually. Protection from deer browse may be needed to ensure seed production. Seed pods stay attached to the stem late into the fall, so shattering loss not a big concern. Harvest seeds by hand or with a combine harvester when seed pods and stems are brown and dry. A plant desiccant may be used to aid plant dry down. Seed may or may not separate from the seed pod during harvest. Seeds can be separated from the pod using a brush separator, hammer mill, or similar equipment. Seed can be further cleaned using a fanning mill (Observations at the Rose Lake Plant Materials Center, East Lansing, MI). Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) Grant Germplasm panicledleaf ticktrefoil is a tested class release from the Rose Lake Plant Materials Center in East Lansing, Michigan. It was collected from native stands in Grant County, Wisconsin and released in 2006.

References

Hilty, J. Editor. 2013a. Insect Visitors of Illinois Wildflowers. World Wide Web electronic publication. Illinoiswildflowers.info, version (01/2013) Verified 2/13/2013. Hilty, J. Editor. 2013b. Panicled Tick Trefoil (Desmodium paniculatum). World Wide Web electronic publication. Illinois wildflowers.info/savanna/plants/pn_tktrefoil.htm. Verified 2/13/2013. Moerman, D.E., 1988. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press Inc., Portland, OR. 927 pp. Shockley, F. W. R. L. McGraw, and H. E. Garret. 2011. Growth and Nutrient Concentrations of two Native Forage Legume with Rhizobium and Mycorrhiza in Missouri, USA. Agroforestry Systems 60: 137 – 142. Speck, F.G., 1941. A list of Curatives Obtained from the Houma Indians of Louisiana. Primitive Man 14: 49-75. USDA. 1961. Seeds. The Yearbook of Agriculture. U.S. Printing Office. Washington, DC. 591 pp. USDA-NRCS. 2008. Conservation Practice Standard 327 – Conservation Cover. NRCS-MI Field Operations Technical Guide. USDA 2013. PLANTS Database. www.plants.usda.gov. Verified 2/13/2013. Voss, E. G. 1985. Michigan Flora. Part II Dicots. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. 724 pp. Wulff, R.D. 1986. Seed size variation in Desmodium paniculatum, II. Effects on seedling growth and physiological performance. J. Ecol. 74, 99-114. Prepared By: USDA-NRCS Rose Lake Plant Materials Center, East Lansing, Michigan. Citation Leif, J, and Belt, S. 2013. Plant Guide for Panicledleaf ticktrefoil (Desmodium paniculatum), USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rose Lake Plant Materials Center, East Lansing, Michigan, 48823 and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service Norman Berg National Plant Materials Center, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705. Published: March 2013 For more information about this and other plants, please contact your local NRCS field office or

Fact Sheet

Alternate Names

Panicled Tick Trefoil

Uses

Ethnobotanical: The Houma Indians of Louisiana used an infusion of the roots in whiskey to treat weakness and cramps. Landscaping and wildlife: Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil attracts birds and is a good grazing and browsing plant for livestock. Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation. Long-tongued bumblebees (Bombus impatien and Bombus pensylvanica ) collect pollen from the flowers. Other long tongued bee pollinators include leaf-cutting bees (Megachile brevis brevis, Megachile mendica, and Megachile petulans ), and digger bees (Melissodes bimaculata bimaculata ). Short tongued bee pollinators include: sweat bees (Nomia nortoni nortoni) and Campus bees (Calliopsis andreniformis). The caterpillars of several skippers feed on the leaves: Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades), Silver-Spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus), Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus), and Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades). The caterpillars of the butterfly Eastern Tailed Blue (Everes comyntas) also feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of the butterfly Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) eat the flowers and developing seedpods. Other insect feeders include many kinds of beetles, and some species of thrips, aphids, moth caterpillars, and stinkbugs. The seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds (Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey) and small rodents (White-Footed Mouse, Deer Mouse), while the foliage is readily eaten by White-Tailed Deer and other hoofed mammalian herbivores. The Cottontail Rabbit also consumes the foliage.

Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

Description and Adaptation

Adaptation

Adaptation

Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil is a native, perennial, wildflower that grows up to 3 feet tall. The genus Desmodium: originates from Greek meaning "long branch or chain," probably from the shape and attachment of the seedpods. The central stem is green with clover-like, oblong, multiple green leaflets proceeding singly up the stem. The showy purple flowers appear in late summer and grow arranged on a stem maturing from the bottom upwards. In early fall, the flowers produce leguminous seed pods approximately ⅛ inch long. Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil plants have a single crown. This wildflower is a pioneer species that prefers some disturbance from wildfires, selective logging, and others causes. The sticky seedpods cling to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans and are carried to new locations. Figure 1 Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil distribution from USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. For updated distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site. Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil grows in upland habitats such as forests and savannahs. It prefers coarse to medium textured, well drained soils, growing from Maine south to Florida and east to Texas and Nebraska.

Establishment

Gather seeds in the fall and dry them in paper bags for 1 – 2 weeks, Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil., Sow seeds directly in fall and plant a cover crop of a cool season annual grass over the seedbed to protect seed over the winter, If seeds are to be propagated in a container, stratify them for approximately 3 months at 34o to 38o F, Scarify the seeds before planting by rubbing them with sandpaper and inoculate them with a Desmodium-specific inoculant, Cover seeds lightly with a vermiculite/perlite mixture and keep air temperature at approximately 65o

Management

F until seeds have germinated. Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil grows in partial shade and prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, fine to medium textured soil.

Pests and Potential Problems

No known pests or potential problems at this time.

Environmental Concerns

No concerns at this time. Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) There are no recommended cultivars or selected materials at this time. Prepared By: Samantha Kirk and Shawn Belt, NRCS, National Plant Materials Center, Beltsville, MD

Plant Traits

Growth Requirements

Morphology/Physiology

Reproduction

Suitability/Use

Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil