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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Desmodium elegans is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
D. tiliifolium.(D.Don.)G.Don. Hedysarum tiliifolium.
Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Edible Uses
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Carminative Cholera Diuretic Tonic
The roots are carminative, diuretic and tonic[240, 272]. They are used in the treatment of bilious complaints[240, 243].The juice of the root, sometimes combined with the bark juice of Bauhinia malabarica, is used in the treatment of cholera[272]. The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[272].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Fibre Fuel
A fibre from the bark is used for ropes and paper making[146, 158]. The wood is a good fuel[146, 158].
Special Uses
Nitrogen Fixer
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in most soils so long as they are well-drained[182, 200]. Requires a sunny sheltered position[175, 182]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[184]. Requires long hot summers to be at its best, the flowers are produced on the current years growth and do not open in cold wet seasons[11]. Plants send up new shoots 1 - 1.5m long annually from a woody base[11]. If the plant is not cut back to the ground by winter cold then it is best to prune it hard in late winter in order to encourage better flowering[182]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
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The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
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Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Scarify and pre-soak stored seed for 5 hours in warm water then sow March in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates within 1 - 4 months at 25°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from frost in their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Division as the plant comes into growth in the spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Root cuttings in winter.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
A.DC.
Botanical References
11200266
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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Subject : Desmodium elegans
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