Beggar-lice
Desmodium glutinosum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
OH
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Pointed-leaved tick-trefoil is a native woodland wildflower with distinctive three-part leaves and small pink to purple flowers that bloom in summer. This woodland perennial forms neat clumps and produces small seed pods that stick to clothing and fur for dispersal.
In an HOA neighborhood
Beggar-lice 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.
- Sticky seed pods attach to clothing and pets
- Informal wildflower appearance
- Can spread by seed dispersal
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during summer blooms. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
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.
Does Beggar-lice fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.