Spiked Ticktrefoil: A Little-Known Native Gem
Meet spiked ticktrefoil (Desmodium cinerascens), one of those delightfully mysterious native plants that seems to fly under the radar of most gardeners. This perennial herb belongs to the fascinating world of ticktrefoils – plants that got their quirky name from their seed pods that tend to stick to everything that passes by.
What Is Spiked Ticktrefoil?
Spiked ticktrefoil is a native perennial forb, which simply means it’s an herbaceous flowering plant without woody stems. As a member of the legume family, it shares DNA with beans, peas, and other nitrogen-fixing plants that actually improve soil health as they grow. You might also see it listed under its botanical synonym, Meibomia cinerascens, in older plant references.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty calls Arizona home, though like many southwestern natives, it may have a broader range that hasn’t been fully documented in readily available sources. It’s one of those plants that reminds us how much we still have to learn about our native flora, especially in the diverse ecosystems of the American Southwest.
Should You Grow Spiked Ticktrefoil?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit mysterious. While we know spiked ticktrefoil is a legitimate native species, detailed growing information is surprisingly scarce. This could mean a few things: it might be quite rare, it could be challenging to cultivate, or it simply hasn’t caught the attention of the horticultural world yet.
If you’re drawn to this plant (and who wouldn’t be intrigued by such a great common name?), here’s what we can piece together:
Potential Garden Role
Based on its relatives in the Desmodium family, spiked ticktrefoil would likely be excellent for:
- Native plant gardens focused on Arizona species
- Wildlife-friendly landscapes
- Naturalized areas where you want low-maintenance native plants
- Pollinator gardens (most ticktrefoils attract butterflies and native bees)
Growing Considerations
Since specific cultivation information for spiked ticktrefoil is limited, any attempt to grow it would be somewhat experimental. If you’re up for the challenge, you’d want to:
- Source seeds or plants from reputable native plant suppliers
- Research its natural habitat requirements in Arizona
- Start small and observe how it performs in your specific conditions
- Connect with local native plant societies for regional growing wisdom
The Mystery Factor
Sometimes the most rewarding garden plants are the ones that require a bit of detective work. Spiked ticktrefoil falls into this category – it’s a legitimate native with potential garden value, but growing it successfully might require some experimentation and patience.
If you’re not quite ready for a gardening mystery, consider exploring other well-documented Desmodium species or southwestern natives with more established cultivation guidelines. But if you’re the type of gardener who enjoys being a plant pioneer, spiked ticktrefoil might just be your next adventure.
The Bottom Line
Spiked ticktrefoil represents both the promise and the challenge of native plant gardening. It’s a legitimate native species with likely ecological benefits, but it’s also a reminder that we still have much to learn about successfully cultivating our native flora. Whether you choose to take on this green mystery or stick with better-known natives, every native plant in our gardens is a step toward supporting local ecosystems.
