Threeflower Beggarweed

Desmodium triflorum

Threeflower Beggarweed is a perennial broadleaf weed that is also commonly known as Sagotia Beggarweed, Threeflower and Ticktrefoil. Its scientific name is Desmodium triflorum.

Identify

Creeping

Pinnately Trifoliolate

Threeflower Beggarweed is a creeping broadleaf weed that features laterally growing hairy stems that root at the nodes. Its leaves produce three very small heart-shaped leaflets. Threeflower Beggarweed can be distinguished from Creeping Beggarweed in that it is generally much smaller in size. Blooming in warm months, Threeflower Beggarweed produces blue or purplish-pink flowers. The fruit breaks apart easily when ripe, and the seed attaches to clothing or hair.

Life Cycle

This broadleaf weed can be found in grass and open pine woods in the southern parts of Florida and Louisiana. Threeflower Beggarweed also thrives in Puerto Rico and Hawaii.

Control

Proper cultural practices, such as proper mowing and watering, can help prevent Desmodium triflorumby creating dense grass, which inhibits this broadleaf weed's ability to grow. Physical removal (i.e., pulling weeds) can be effective, though you run the risk of spreading the seeds to additional areas of your lawn.