Tick Trefoil, Canada (Showy)

Desmodium canadense

Uses: Showy ticktrefoil is used for wildlife food and cover and as a small component in seeding mixtures for prairie restoration. Description: Showy tick trefoil is a tall native, perennial Warm-season legume. Adaptation and Distribution: Showy tick trefoil occurs in prairies and wet meadows, along spring branches, and in open thickets. Establishment: Prepare a clean weed free seedbed by disking and harrowing. Firm the seedbed by cultipacking. The seedbed should be firm enough to allow the seed to be planted ¼ inch deep. Seeding rates for showy ticktrefoil should be about 3 to 4 pounds pure live seed per acre for wildlife planting. Management: Reduce weed competition by mowing at a height that will not affect the ticktrefoil seedlings. For grassy weed control use a grass herbicide and follow label recommendations, as herbicide weed control will encourage a good stand.