Beggar-lice
Desmodium glutinosum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Desmodium glutinosum (Pointed-leaf Tick-trefoil) is a native Ohio wildflower that blooms pink flowers from June through August. This shade-tolerant forb attracts bees and butterflies to woodland gardens.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
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.
Growing Beggar-lice
Grow Beggar-lice in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Desmodium glutinosum bloom?
- Desmodium glutinosum produces flowers from June through August, making it a reliable summer bloomer for native plant gardens.
- What pollinators visit Desmodium glutinosum?
- Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Desmodium glutinosum, attracted to its pink flower clusters during the summer months.
- What growing conditions does Desmodium glutinosum prefer?
- This native plant thrives in partial shade to shade with medium moisture levels, making it well-suited for woodland understory plantings.
- Is Beggar-lice HOA-friendly?
- Beggar-lice 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 Beggar-lice? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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