What they do
Provide summer blooms for pollinators and add a natural, meadowy look to gardens.
Plant profile
Tick-trefoils
Genus Desmodium
Tick-trefoils are native wildflowers in the genus Desmodium that offer nectar and pollen in summer and leave behind “stick-tight” seed pods that hitchhike on clothing and fur.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (herbaceous perennials) > Tick-trefoils
Aliases
Tick-trefoil
Native Range
Native to parts of North America (species vary).
Bloom window
Summer into early fall (varies by species)
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Tick-trefoils (genus Desmodium) are a group of native, herbaceous perennial wildflowers with a relaxed, natural look. They’re especially useful for adding summer blooms to pollinator plantings, and they fit well in gardens that aim to feel a little more like a meadow or woodland edge.
What you’ll notice first is the trefoil-style foliage and the small pea-family flowers that open along the stems. Later, the plant’s signature feature shows up: segmented seed pods that cling to fabric and fur. That trait helps the plant spread, but it also means placement matters—tuck tick-trefoils a bit back from paths and play areas.
In the garden, tick-trefoils are usually happiest in sun to part shade with average soil moisture. They don’t need fussy care once established, but they do appreciate a little space and airflow. Pair them with other native wildflowers and some grasses or sedges for support and a full-season, layered look.
Best role for pollinators
Pollinator-friendly borders, meadow-style plantings, woodland edges, and “let it be” corners where native wildflowers can do their thing.
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Tick-trefoil |
| Bloom window | Summer into early fall (varies by species) |
| Typical height | Knee- to waist-high (varies by species and growing conditions) |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies |
| Light & moisture | Adaptable; many do well in sun to part shade with average moisture |
| Best roles for pollinators | Pollinator-friendly borders, meadow-style plantings, woodland edges, and “let it be” corners where native wildflowers can do their thing. |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
A spot with decent light and soil that isn’t constantly soggy; give them room to sway and seed.
One best action
Place tick-trefoils a little back from paths so you can enjoy the flowers without collecting the seed pods on your clothes.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Tick-trefoils are a practical way to add native summer blooms to a garden, supporting a variety of pollinators while fitting into naturalized spaces with minimal fuss.
The “tick” in tick-trefoil comes from the segmented seed pods that can cling like tiny hitchhikers.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Summer flowers help fill the gap between spring blooms and fall asters and goldenrods.
- As native wildflowers, tick-trefoils can fit well into low-input gardens when matched to the right spot.
- Seed pods are a natural way plants spread—useful in a naturalized area, less fun next to a doorway.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Look for a clover-like leaf pattern, small pea-family flowers, and the famous stick-tight pods later in the season.
Leaves
Often three-part (trefoil-like) leaves; leaflets may be oval to more elongated depending on the species.
Flowers
Small pea-family blossoms, commonly pink to purple, opening in clusters along upright stems.
Fruits
Segmented pods that break into small sections and cling to clothing or fur when mature.
Gallery image
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Meadows and open fields
- Woodland edges
- Open woods
- Roadsides and naturalized areas
Where it is often used
- Pollinator garden
- Meadow or naturalized planting
- Woodland edge border
- Low-maintenance native plant area
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Tick-trefoils generally bloom in the warmer months, with timing depending on the species and the site.
Bloom Season Role: Mid-to-late season nectar and pollen
Seasonal benefits
- Adds color and nectar when many early flowers are finished
- Pairs well with other summer and fall native wildflowers for continuous bloom
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Sun to part shade; more sun usually means sturdier stems and more flowers.
Soil type
Average garden soil is often fine; avoid constantly waterlogged spots.
Moisture needs
Water to establish; after that, many tick-trefoils handle normal rainfall in a suitable site.
Planting method
Plant in spring or fall. Give each plant space for airflow and to reduce flopping.
Mulching tips
Use a light mulch layer if needed; keep mulch off the crown to prevent soggy stems.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Choose a spot in sun to part shade, set back from high-traffic paths.
- Loosen the soil and remove tough weeds so young plants aren’t crowded.
- Plant at the same depth as the pot and water in well.
- Add a thin mulch layer (optional), keeping it away from the stem base.
- Water occasionally during the first season while roots settle in.
Seasonal care
- Weed around young plants until they fill in.
- Stake only if needed; a slightly wild look is normal for meadow plants.
- Leave stems standing into fall if you can, then cut back when you’re ready to tidy up.
- If you don’t want lots of seedlings, trim some seed pods before they fully mature (wear gloves if they’re sticking to everything).
What not to do
- Planting right along a narrow path or near a doorway
- Keeping the soil constantly wet
- Smothering the base with thick mulch
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Spring ephemerals (woodland wildflowers)
- Early-blooming native violets
Mid-Season Bloom
- Black-eyed Susans
- Bee balm
- Native grasses for support and structure
Late-Season Bloom
- Asters
- Goldenrods
- Native sedges and grasses
Because tick-trefoils are a whole genus, different species can look and behave a bit differently. If you’re shopping, check the species name and match it to your site conditions.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you might see on plant tags or garden guides:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.