What are Desmodium Plants?
Desmodium is an herby perennial. Some varieties grow tall, up to 2 to 4 feet (61 cm. to 1 m.), but they tend to grow more like a trailing groundcover. They will climb if given the right support. Desmodium varieties are legumes, so they fix nitrogen in the soil, and this has made them a popular choice as an intercrop, especially with corn where they prevent the growth of weeds. These plants can also be used as a nutritious forage plant for livestock. For the home gardener, these uses for desmodium are not necessarily reasons to choose to plant them. Instead, you may want desmodium plants for an attractive groundcover or climbing vine; that they add nitrogen to the soil is a bonus. Different varieties have some variation in leaf color, and all produce pretty, late-summer flowers in a range of colors. These also make a great addition to the garden because the plants attract pollinators and birds.
How to Grow a Desmodium Plant
Growing desmodium plants is not difficult, as they tolerate a variety of conditions. They can grow in full sun or partial shade. They prefer soil that is moist to dry, so good drainage is a must. That said, these plants tolerate drought well, so water until established and then leave them alone. Fertilizer is also not typically necessary, as these plants grow vigorously. Desmodium is a great plant for a meadow area of your garden, for a trellis, or for attracting native species and pollinators. Give it the right conditions and it will thrive and add more nitrogen to help enrich your soil.
