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How to Grow Desmodium (Tick Clover)

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Desmodium (Tick Clover)

Desmodium spp.

herb

Desmodium is a nitrogen-fixing legume widely used as a cover crop and intercrop in agroforestry and mixed plantings. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, these plants form symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching soil while suppressing weeds and pests. Desmodium species are valued in conservation agriculture for their ability to improve soil fertility without synthetic inputs.

Looking for a specific variety?

Desmodium uncinatum Desmodium intortum Desmodium velutinum Desmodium distortum

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Example Desmodium (Tick Clover) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Desmodium (Tick Clover)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Desmodium (Tick Clover)

    Around Aug 15

    ≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Desmodium (Tick Clover) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily
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Water: Moderate water needs; once established, relatively drought-tolerant. Water regularly during establishment and dry seasons. Avoid waterlogging. In mixed plantings, ensure adequate moisture without competing excessively with companion plants.
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Spacing: 18-30 inches between plants depending on species and intercropping system; 12-18 inches for dense cover cropping inches
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Days to maturity: 120-150 days for nitrogen fixation benefits to become evident; 180-240 days for seed production
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Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery containers

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 5.5-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure for initial establishment Mycorrhizal fungi inoculant to enhance nodulation Rhizobia inoculant specific to Desmodium (if not present in local soil)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical zones (9-12); some species tolerate zone 8b with protection

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Small compound leaves emerge; plant develops primary root system and begins nodule formation with rhizobia bacteria

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Protect from direct competition with larger plants. Ensure good drainage to prevent fungal issues. Light fertilization may be needed if soil is very poor, though excessive nitrogen inhibits nodulation.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-10 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and compound leaflets; deep root system expands; active nitrogen fixation begins. Plant reaches 1-3 feet tall depending on species

Reduce supplemental nitrogen to encourage nodule development. Monitor for pest pressure; Desmodium often experiences reduced pest pressure from cereal crops when intercropped. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Thin if overcrowded.

3

Flowering & Nodule Peak Activity

4-6 weeks

Small purple, pink, or white flowers appear in clusters; nitrogen fixation reaches maximum efficiency. Root nodules are fully developed and active

Maintain consistent moisture during flowering to maximize seed and nodule development. In mixed plantings, ensure intercrop partner plants are not shaded excessively. Do not apply additional nitrogen fertilizer. Support pollinator activity if seed production is desired.

4

Seed Set & Maturation

4-8 weeks

Flowers develop into pod-like loments (segmented fruits) with distinctive hooked or spiky segments that cling to fur/clothing. Plant begins to senesce

Reduce watering if seed production is complete and plant is to be used as green manure. Allow loments to mature fully for seed harvest. In intercropping systems, monitor allelopathic effects on companion crops, though generally minimal.

5

Incorporation & Decomposition

Ongoing

Plant material is cut, incorporated into soil, or left as mulch. Organic matter and fixed nitrogen become available to subsequent crops

Time incorporation for maximum nitrogen release—typically when flowering begins or at end of season. Incorporate 2-4 weeks before planting subsequent crops to allow decomposition. Retain root nodules in soil to preserve nitrogen-fixing capacity. For permanent plantings, allow self-seeding or light pruning.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Maize (corn) – classic intercropping combination; Desmodium suppresses parasitic witchweed and improves nitrogen availability Sorghum Millet Beans (other legumes, though with lower intensity) Cassava Cowpea Squash and pumpkins in mixed systems Banana and plantain (in agroforestry systems) Shade trees like Faidherbia albida

Avoid planting near:

Highly competitive grasses (in monoculture systems) Allelopathic plants like black walnut Plants requiring very acidic conditions (pH <5.0) if Desmodium is adding nitrogen and raising soil pH

Common Pests

  • Intercropping with cereals reduces incidence. Hand-pick if population is low. Encourage natural predators. Neem oil spray if severe (organic option).

  • Desmodium actually suppresses witchweed through allelopathic compounds; one of its key benefits in cereal-legume intercropping systems.

  • Generally not severely affected. Use water spray or insecticidal soap if population explodes. Beneficial insects are usually sufficient control.

  • Ensure good air circulation. Remove infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering in humid conditions. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide if severe.

  • Some Desmodium varieties have nematode resistance. Crop rotation and organic matter amendment help. Desmodium itself may suppress nematode populations in subsequent crops.

Uses

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Fodder and forage for livestock

Culinary

Desmodium leaves and tender stems provide nutritious fodder for cattle, goats, and other ruminants, particularly during dry seasons. The high protein content and palatability make it a valuable supplement to cereal-based diets. [source]

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Traditional herbal medicine

Medicinal

Various Desmodium species have been used in traditional African and Asian medicine to treat digestive disorders, inflammation, and liver complaints. Some species contain alkaloids and other bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties. [source]

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Nitrogen fixation and soil improvement

Household

The primary horticultural use: Desmodium's symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria fixes atmospheric nitrogen, enriching soil and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. A single season of Desmodium can add 50-150 kg of nitrogen per hectare, depending on species and growing conditions. [source]

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Intercropping for pest and weed suppression

Crop

When intercropped with maize or sorghum, Desmodium suppresses parasitic witchweed (Striga) through allelopathic compounds and root exudates, significantly improving cereal yields. Also reduces certain pest populations and suppresses weeds through competition. [source]

🦋

Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

Desmodium flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant provides nectar and pollen, supporting beneficial insect populations that control agricultural pests and contribute to ecosystem health. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For green manure/cover crop use: Incorporate plant material 2-4 weeks before planting the next crop, ideally at flowering stage when nitrogen content is high but before significant senescence. For seed harvest: Allow loments to fully mature and dry on plant; harvest by hand or by beating plant over a cloth. The hooked loments disperse naturally and are difficult to collect—allow field to self-seed for subsequent seasons. For forage use: Cut plant at mid-flowering to early seed set for optimal nutritional quality; can provide 2-3 cuts per season in tropical climates.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Desmodium is a key component of the 'push-pull' agricultural strategy developed in East Africa: the plant repels or 'pushes away' parasitic witchweed (Striga) from cereal crops while simultaneously attracting stem borers and other pests, which are then 'pulled' toward trap plants, significantly boosting cereal yields without synthetic inputs.
  • 🌱 The loments (seed pods) of Desmodium have a distinctive hooked or barbed shape that readily adheres to fur, clothing, and fabric—this 'sticky seed' design is so effective that Desmodium seeds were historically used in velcro-like applications, and the spiky structure inspired biomimetic product design.
  • 🌱 A single Desmodium plant can support thousands of nitrogen-fixing bacterial nodules on its roots, each nodule containing millions of rhizobia cells working symbiotically to convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) that the plant can use—a natural and renewable alternative to energy-intensive synthetic fertilizer production.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cover Crop Full Sun Green Manure Mulch Partial Shade pH
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