Showy tick-trefoil (Desmodium canadense)

Family: Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Desmodium canadense is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None Known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist to mesic black soil prairies, moist meadows along rivers, borders of lakes, thickets, limestone glades, and areas along railroads where prairie remnants occur. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6)