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Sessile-leaf tickclover

Also known as: sessile tickclover

Desmodium sessilifolium (Torr.) T. & G.

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Sessile-leaf tickclover leaf
Sessile-leaf tickclover leaaves
Sessile-leaf tickclover
Sessile-leaf tickclover
Sessile-leaf tickclover
Sessile-leaf tickclover leaves
Sessile-leaf tickclover loments
Sessile-leaf tickclover inflorescence
Sessile-leaf tickclover flowers
Sessile-leaf tickclover fruits
Sessile-leaf tickclover

Morphology

Stem
Erect or ascending, 1-several from base, ridged longitudinally, simple to inflorescence, branching above, densely covered with minute hooked-hairs.
Leaves
Alternate, nearly sessile, 3-foliolate; leaflets linear to linear-oblong, prominently net-veined and short-hairy beneath, minutely hooked-hairy above; terminal leaflet 1.4 to 3.6 inches long, 1/4 to 3/4 inch wide, tip rounded; lateral leaflets 1.2 to 2.4 inches long; stipules lance-tapering, 1/6 to 2/5 inch long.
Inflorescence
Raceme-like panicled, terminal; branches long, slender.
Flower
On short stalk; calyx 2-lipped, minutely hairy; upper lip entire or notched; lower lip 3-lobed, middle lobe longer; corolla papilionaceous, pinkish, pale lavender or sometimes whitish, fading yellowish-white, 1/5 to 1/4 inch long; stamens 10, 9 united, 1 free.
Fruit
Pods, flat, jointed; segments 1-4, rounded above and below, surfaces with minute hooked hairs; seeds 1 per segment, smooth, olive to brown.

Ecology

Habitat
Prairie hillsides and ravines, rocky open woodlands, sandy stream valleys, and roadsides; dry soil.
Distribution
East 3/4 of Kansas.

Additional Notes

Comments

From Latin, sessilis "pertaining to sitting" for the leaf blade sitting close to the stem.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Fabaceae - Bean Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
2-4 feet
Last Updated
2007-11-23
Color Groups
Pink, Red & Orange Wildflowers
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: July, August, September