Identification
This native perennial grows up to 4 feet tall. Alternate leaves are at the tips of thin, erect or arching stems, which have a unique whorled appearance because all leaf stalks originate near the same place on the stem (B). Leaves are divided into three egg-shaped but sharply pointed leaflets, up to 6 inches long (B,C). The small, white to purple, pea-like flowers are found on branched spikes far above the leaves (B,D). The fruit is a flat pod (E) containing 1-3 segments with slightly concave upper and convex, rounded lower margins. Pods are covered with hooked hairs and cling to clothing and animal fur.
Grows in moist woodlands, flowering from June through August. It is uncommon in woodlands at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.
Another common name is Beggar’s Lice derived from the remarkable ability of the seed pods to cling to anything that passes by.
This plant, recently reclassified as Hylodesmum glutinosum was previously known as Desmodium glutinosum, a scientific name still used by some sites.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.