Scorpion Ticktrefoil: A Caribbean Native with an Intriguing Name
With a name like scorpion ticktrefoil, you might expect this plant to be more fearsome than it actually is! Desmodium scorpiurus is a fascinating perennial forb that brings a touch of Caribbean charm to gardens, though it comes with some important considerations for mainland gardeners.
What Exactly Is Scorpion Ticktrefoil?
Scorpion ticktrefoil is a perennial forb, which means it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. As a member of the Desmodium genus, it’s related to other ticktrefoils, earning its common name from the way its seed pods tend to stick to clothing and animal fur (hence the tick part of ticktrefoil).
This plant is classified botanically as Desmodium scorpiurus, and you might occasionally see it listed under its synonym Meibomia scorpiurus in older references.
Where Does It Call Home?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Scorpion ticktrefoil is native to the Caribbean region, specifically Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, it has established itself in parts of Florida, where it reproduces on its own without human assistance.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
This is where the native gardening conversation gets nuanced. Since scorpion ticktrefoil isn’t native to the continental United States, many native plant enthusiasts might prefer to choose indigenous alternatives. However, it’s also not classified as invasive or noxious, so there’s no urgent ecological concern about growing it.
If you’re in Florida and considering this plant, you might want to explore native Desmodium species instead, such as:
- Beggar’s lice (Desmodium canum)
- Large ticktrefoil (Desmodium glabellum)
- Stiff ticktrefoil (Desmodium obtusum)
Growing Conditions and Habitat Preferences
Based on its wetland status, scorpion ticktrefoil is quite adaptable when it comes to moisture conditions. It’s classified as Facultative in the Caribbean region, meaning it can handle both wetland and non-wetland conditions. In other regions where it’s been documented, it tends to prefer upland areas but can tolerate some wetness.
This adaptability suggests it’s a fairly easy-going plant that won’t be too fussy about soil moisture, making it potentially suitable for gardeners who want a low-maintenance option.
What to Expect from This Plant
As a forb, scorpion ticktrefoil won’t develop woody stems, so you can expect it to maintain a more herbaceous appearance throughout its growing season. Like other members of the Desmodium family, it likely produces small flowers and the characteristic sticky seed pods that give ticktrefoils their name.
The Bottom Line for Gardeners
Scorpion ticktrefoil represents an interesting case study in native gardening decisions. While it’s not harmful to grow and appears to be relatively well-behaved, choosing native alternatives will better support local ecosystems and wildlife.
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing a Desmodium species, consider exploring the native options in your area first. They’ll provide similar characteristics while offering greater benefits to local pollinators and wildlife that have evolved alongside these indigenous plants.
For gardeners in the Caribbean region where this plant is native, scorpion ticktrefoil could be a wonderful addition to naturalized areas and native plant gardens, supporting the local ecosystem while adding authentic regional character to your landscape.
