Desmodium varians: The Mystery Tick Trefoil
If you’ve stumbled across the name Desmodium varians while researching native plants, you’ve discovered one of botany’s more elusive characters. This member of the legume family belongs to the Desmodium genus, commonly known as tick trefoils, but finding specific information about this particular species is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
What We Know (And Don’t Know)
Here’s the honest truth: Desmodium varians is poorly documented in mainstream botanical literature and native plant databases. While the Desmodium genus contains many well-known species that are beloved by native plant gardeners, this particular species name appears in very few reliable sources. This could mean several things:
- It’s an extremely rare or regional species with limited distribution
- It might be a synonym for another, better-known Desmodium species
- The species name may be outdated or incorrect
- It could be a very specialized plant that hasn’t been widely studied
The Desmodium Family Connection
While we can’t speak specifically about Desmodium varians, we do know that tick trefoils as a group are fantastic native plants. Most Desmodium species are nitrogen-fixing legumes that produce small, pea-like flowers and distinctive seed pods that stick to clothing and animal fur (hence the tick in their common name, though they’re not actually related to the parasitic creatures).
Typical Desmodium species are known for:
- Supporting native pollinators, especially bees and butterflies
- Improving soil health through nitrogen fixation
- Providing food for wildlife through their seeds
- Thriving in a variety of conditions from woodlands to prairies
A Gardener’s Dilemma
So, should you plant Desmodium varians? Here’s where things get tricky. Without reliable information about this species’ native range, growing requirements, or ecological impact, it’s impossible to provide responsible planting recommendations. We don’t know if it’s:
- Native to your region
- Potentially invasive
- Rare and in need of conservation
- Even correctly identified
Better Alternatives
Instead of gambling with an unknown quantity, consider these well-documented Desmodium species that might be native to your area:
- Desmodium canadense (Showy Tick Trefoil)
- Desmodium glutinosum (Pointed-leaved Tick Trefoil)
- Desmodium nudiflorum (Naked-flowered Tick Trefoil)
- Desmodium paniculatum (Panicled Tick Trefoil)
These species have well-established track records as garden-worthy native plants with known benefits for pollinators and wildlife.
If You Encounter This Plant
If you’ve actually found a plant labeled as Desmodium varians, your best bet is to:
- Consult with local botanists or native plant societies
- Contact your regional herbarium for identification verification
- Reach out to university extension services
- Consider having the plant professionally identified
Sometimes plant labels can be incorrect, and what you think is Desmodium varians might actually be a different, well-known species that would be perfect for your garden.
The Bottom Line
While the mystery surrounding Desmodium varians is intriguing, responsible native gardening means working with plants we understand. Stick with well-documented Desmodium species that are known to be native to your region, and you’ll have much better success creating a thriving, ecologically beneficial garden. After all, there are plenty of amazing, well-studied native plants just waiting to transform your landscape!
