Desmodium pabulare: The Mystery Plant in Your Garden Quest
If you’ve stumbled upon the name Desmodium pabulare in your native plant research, you might be scratching your head – and for good reason! This particular species name appears to be quite the botanical enigma, with very little information available in standard plant databases and scientific literature.
What We Know (And Don’t Know)
Desmodium pabulare belongs to the genus Desmodium, which includes many species commonly known as tick-trefoils or beggar’s lice. However, this specific species name doesn’t appear in major botanical references, suggesting it may be:
- An extremely rare or localized species
- A possible synonym or outdated name
- A misidentification of another Desmodium species
- A name that exists in very limited regional use
The Desmodium Family Connection
While we can’t provide specific details about Desmodium pabulare, we do know that plants in the Desmodium genus are typically legumes (members of the pea family) that offer several garden benefits. Most Desmodium species are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and provide food for various wildlife species.
What This Means for Gardeners
If you’re considering planting what you believe to be Desmodium pabulare, we’d strongly recommend taking these steps:
- Verify the plant identification with a local botanist or extension office
- Confirm the correct species name and ensure you’re getting accurate growing information
- Consider well-documented native Desmodium species instead, such as Desmodium canadense (showy tick-trefoil) or Desmodium illinoense (Illinois tick-trefoil)
Better Safe Than Sorry
When dealing with uncertain plant identifications, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Instead of risking planting something that might not be what you expect, consider exploring other well-documented native plants that can provide similar benefits to your garden ecosystem.
Your local native plant society or cooperative extension office can help you identify suitable native alternatives that will thrive in your specific growing conditions while supporting local wildlife and pollinators.
The Bottom Line
While Desmodium pabulare remains a botanical mystery, there are plenty of well-documented native plants waiting to make your garden shine. Sometimes the best gardening adventure is discovering a new favorite plant that’s perfectly suited to your landscape – even if it’s not the one you originally set out to find!
