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Desmodium

Desmodium

Desmodium intortum

perennial☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 10aZone 11b

Desmodium intortum, commonly called silverleaf desmodium, is a tropical legume used as a cover crop and forage plant that fixes nitrogen and improves soil fertility. It establishes quickly, tolerates poor soils, and provides excellent biomass while supporting pollinators.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
1–3′ tall × 2–4′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

moderate
Zone 10aZone 11b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 10a to Zone 11b

pH Range

4.57.1
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 4.5 to 7.1

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium, Fine

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

Summer

Ground cover

Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Tropical Africa

Function & Care

biomass/mulcherosion controlnitrogen fixerpollinator nectarywildlife benefit
Nitrogen Fixer · High

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed