Western Trailing Ticktrefoil: A Caribbean Native Worth Knowing
If you’re gardening in the Caribbean or interested in unique native plants from tropical regions, you might want to get acquainted with western trailing ticktrefoil (Desmodium procumbens var. procumbens). This lesser-known member of the legume family brings a touch of authentic Caribbean flora to gardens, though it’s definitely not your typical garden center find.
What is Western Trailing Ticktrefoil?
Western trailing ticktrefoil is an annual forb—essentially a soft-stemmed, herbaceous plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season. Unlike woody shrubs or trees, this plant lacks significant woody tissue and dies back completely each year, relying on seeds to continue the next generation. As its common name suggests, it has a trailing or spreading growth habit that hugs close to the ground.
Where Does It Call Home?
This plant is a true Caribbean native, naturally occurring in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s perfectly adapted to the warm, tropical climate of these island territories, where it has evolved alongside local ecosystems for countless generations.
Should You Grow Western Trailing Ticktrefoil?
Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit challenging. If you’re gardening in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, western trailing ticktrefoil could be a fantastic choice for supporting local biodiversity and creating authentic native plant gardens. As a member of the legume family, it likely helps fix nitrogen in the soil, potentially benefiting surrounding plants.
However, there are some important considerations:
- It’s geographically limited—this plant is only native to a very specific region
- As an annual, you’ll need to replant or allow it to self-seed each year
- Information about its specific growing requirements and garden performance is quite limited
- It may be difficult to source from typical nurseries
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing information for western trailing ticktrefoil is scarce in readily available sources. This suggests it’s not commonly cultivated, even in its native range. However, based on its native habitat in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it likely prefers:
- Warm, tropical conditions year-round
- Well-draining soils
- Areas with natural rainfall patterns typical of the Caribbean
- Protection from harsh winds
If you’re interested in growing this plant, your best bet would be to connect with local botanical gardens, native plant societies, or agricultural extension services in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands for specific guidance.
A Plant for Specialized Gardens
Western trailing ticktrefoil isn’t going to be the star of your average home landscape, but it could play an interesting role in specialized native plant gardens, restoration projects, or botanical collections focused on Caribbean flora. Its trailing habit might make it useful as a ground cover in naturalized areas.
The Bottom Line
Western trailing ticktrefoil is one of those plants that highlights the incredible diversity of native flora in specific regions. While it may not be practical for most gardeners, it represents an important piece of Caribbean biodiversity. If you’re gardening in its native range and interested in supporting local ecosystems, it could be worth seeking out—just be prepared for a bit of detective work to find growing information and plant sources.
For gardeners outside Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, consider exploring native plants in your own region instead. Every area has its own fascinating native species that are better adapted to local conditions and easier to grow successfully.
