How to Grow Sticky Stylosanthes
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Sticky Stylosanthes
Stylosanthes viscosa
herbStylosanthes viscosa is a tropical legume native to South America, valued as a high-quality forage and pasture plant for livestock. Known for its sticky foliage (hence the common name), it is drought-tolerant and nitrogen-fixing, making it excellent for sustainable farming and soil improvement. The plant produces small purple or pink flowers followed by seed pods.
When should you plant Sticky Stylosanthes in your zone?
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Example Sticky Stylosanthes timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sticky Stylosanthes
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Sticky Stylosanthes
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sticky Stylosanthes dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical and warm subtropical zones 10-11; tolerates warm season cultivation in zone 9b with protection
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Get my Sticky Stylosanthes timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate within 7-14 days; seedlings emerge with cotyledons and small compound leaves characteristic of legumes
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide full sun once emerged. Protect from strong winds during early growth.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops bushy form with compound leaves becoming increasingly sticky; stems elongate and branch prolifically
Water during dry periods. Begin light grazing or cutting at 12-18 inches height to encourage branching. Monitor for pests.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (continuous in tropics)Small purple, pink, or occasionally white flowers develop in racemes along stems; flowering typically continuous in tropical conditions
Maintain consistent moisture during flowering. Allow some flowering to set seed if saving seed stock. Continue light grazing rotations.
Seed Production
4-6 weeksFlowers develop into distinctive legume pods containing 1-2 seeds; pods remain on plant and shatter naturally when mature
Reduce grazing pressure if seed collection desired. Collect seed pods before full shattering for seed harvesting.
Established Pasture/Forage Production
Ongoing (3-5 year lifespan)Plant maintains steady growth and regrows rapidly after grazing or cutting; can be grazed continuously or rotationally
Implement rotational grazing (2-4 week intervals) for best productivity. Avoid overgrazing (leave 6-8 inches minimum). Maintain in productive state for 3-5+ years.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for white frothy masses on stems; biological control via parasitoid wasps; accept low populations in established pastures
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Rarely severe; maintain plant vigor through proper grazing management and water; chemical control seldom necessary
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Allow natural predators; if harvesting seed, remove affected pods; monitor at seed-setting stage
Uses
Livestock Forage & Pasture
CulinaryStylosanthes viscosa is excellent nutritious fodder for cattle, sheep, goats, and other ruminants. The sticky foliage aids palatability and digestibility for livestock grazing. [source]
Soil Improvement & Nitrogen Fixation
HouseholdAs a nitrogen-fixing legume, it enriches soil naturally, reducing need for synthetic fertilizers. Excellent for sustainable farming, soil rehabilitation, and agroforestry systems. [source]
Erosion Control & Land Stabilization
WildlifeDeep root system and spreading growth habit make it effective for controlling erosion, stabilizing hillsides, and protecting degraded lands in tropical regions. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalUsed in traditional medicine in tropical regions for treating inflammation and supporting digestive health, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Seed Production for Pasture Development
CraftSeeds are commercially produced and distributed for establishing productive pastures and fodder systems throughout tropical and subtropical regions. [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 pasture/forage: Begin grazing when plants reach 12-18 inches height; maintain rotational grazing every 2-4 weeks to prevent overuse and promote regrowth. Graze to 6-8 inches minimum. For seed production: Collect mature seed pods just before natural shattering (typically 3-4 months after flowering), dry thoroughly, and store in cool, dry conditions. Seeds remain viable 2-3 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'viscosa' in the scientific name refers to the sticky (viscous) nature of the foliage, which aids in water retention and provides an additional defense against herbivory.
- 🌱 Stylosanthes viscosa can fix approximately 100-150 kg of nitrogen per hectare per year through its symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules.
- 🌱 This plant is particularly valued in tropical developing countries as a low-input, sustainable forage solution that improves both livestock productivity and soil health simultaneously.
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