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Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil

Hylodesmum nudiflorum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bare-Stemmed Tick-Trefoil (Hylodesmum nudiflorum)
Photo: Alex Abair / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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