Tropical and subtropical legume genus widely used in cover-crop systems. Best known as the "push" companion in African push-pull pest management for maize.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 7–11 | −17.8 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H5 | −15 °C to −10 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 7–9 | −12 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–7 | −5 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Push-pull system: Desmodium intercropped with maize repels stem borers, while Napier grass around the field traps them — chemical-free pest control developed at icipe in Kenya
- Sticky seed pods stick to clothing and animal fur — the source of its "tick trefoil" common name
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Desmodium (Tick trefoil) against your zones