Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil
Hylodesmum nudiflorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Tick-trefoil is a native woodland wildflower with three-leaflet compound leaves and small pink to purple flowers that bloom through summer. This low-growing perennial spreads slowly to form colonies in partially shaded areas with average moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Seed pods stick to clothing and pets
- Can appear weedy or unkempt
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil need?
- Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil bloom?
- Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil native?
- Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil (Hylodesmum nudiflorum) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 25 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil attract?
- Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil HOA-friendly?
- Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz