About Desmodium ciliare (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC.
Desmodium ciliare, commonly known as hairy small-leaf ticktrefoil, is a perennial forb native to North America. It reaches a height of 0.2 to 1.0 meters, bears alternate, trifoliolate compound leaves, and produces pink or purple flowers. In terms of distribution and habitat, Desmodium ciliare is found across a range from Massachusetts west to Indiana, Missouri, and southeast Kansas, extending south to southern Florida and Texas. It grows in fields, woodland borders, and disturbed areas. It most often occurs in mesic environments, and prefers medium to fine-textured soil that is slightly acidic. Ecologically, Desmodium ciliare responds positively to fire disturbance: its frequency increases when fire occurs, and controlled burning regimens also boost its flower production. However, surface fires can reduce the germination rate of its seeds. Soil disturbance from activities such as clearcutting, chopping, or military training decreases the abundance of Desmodium ciliare in pine communities.
