Desmodium angustifolium: A Lesser-Known Tick Trefoil Worth Considering
If you’re on the hunt for something a little different in your garden, you might want to take a closer look at Desmodium angustifolium. This member of the tick trefoil family isn’t your typical garden center find, but it brings some interesting qualities to the table for the adventurous gardener.
What’s in a Name?
While this plant doesn’t have a widely recognized common name in English, it belongs to the Desmodium genus, commonly known as tick trefoils or beggar’s lice. You might also see it listed under its botanical synonym, Meibomia angustifolia. The angustifolium part of its name refers to its narrow leaves, which is one of its distinguishing characteristics.
Where Does It Come From?
Desmodium angustifolium is native to parts of Central and South America, particularly Mexico and Central America. This means it’s adapted to tropical and subtropical climates, making it suitable primarily for gardeners in the warmest parts of North America.
What Does It Look Like?
This herbaceous plant produces compound leaves that give it a delicate, feathery appearance. The real show-stopper comes when it blooms, producing small pink to purple flowers arranged in attractive racemes. While individual flowers are modest in size, they create a lovely display when viewed collectively.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, you might be able to successfully grow this plant. Here’s what it typically needs:
- Light conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun
- Well-draining soil that doesn’t stay waterlogged
- Moderate moisture levels – not too wet, not too dry
- Protection from hard freezes
Once established, Desmodium angustifolium tends to be relatively low-maintenance. It can be grown from seed, though you may need to source seeds from specialty suppliers since this isn’t commonly available at local nurseries.
Garden Role and Design Uses
This plant works well as a ground cover or understory addition in naturalized garden areas. It’s particularly suited for:
- Wildlife and pollinator gardens
- Native plant collections (if you’re in its native range)
- Naturalized landscape areas
- Areas where you want a more wild, informal look
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
The flowers attract various small pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Like other members of the legume family, it may also provide some soil benefits through nitrogen fixation, though this varies among Desmodium species.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s the thing about Desmodium angustifolium: unless you’re gardening in its native range or have a specific interest in collecting unusual Desmodium species, there are probably better choices for your garden. Since it’s not native to most of North America, you’d likely get better results – both for your garden and local wildlife – by choosing native alternatives.
If you’re in the southeastern United States, consider native Desmodium species like partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) or native tick trefoils that are adapted to your local conditions. These will provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems more effectively.
The Bottom Line
Desmodium angustifolium is an interesting plant for collectors or gardeners specifically interested in Central American flora. However, for most North American gardeners, focusing on locally native alternatives will yield better results and provide greater ecological benefits. If you do decide to try growing it, make sure you’re in the right climate zone and can source seeds or plants responsibly.
Remember, the best garden plants are usually the ones that are naturally suited to your local conditions – and that often means going native!
