Etymology: Desmodium: Greek meaning "long branch or chain," probably from the shape and the way the seedpods attach
Plants: erect, perennial, 3'-6' tall, very hairy forb often with many branches; long taproot
Leaves: 3-parted, leaf stalk much longer than the end leaflet
Flowers: pink to greenish, 5-parted, 1/3" long, stalked; inflorescence a 3"-6" long, branched cluster (panicle) of several spike-like clusters (raceme)
Fruits: flat, mostly straight pod divided into segments and covered with hooked hairs
Habitat: fields, woods
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Plants: erect, perennial, 3'-6' tall, very hairy forb often with many branches; long taproot
Leaves: 3-parted, leaf stalk much longer than the end leaflet
Flowers: pink to greenish, 5-parted, 1/3" long, stalked; inflorescence a 3"-6" long, branched cluster (panicle) of several spike-like clusters (raceme)
Fruits: flat, mostly straight pod divided into segments and covered with hooked hairs
Habitat: fields, woods
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7 WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc.
John D. Draeger
from USDA Plants website
John D. Draeger
John D. Draeger
John D. Draeger
