How much sun does Dillenius' ticktrefoil need?

Dillenius' ticktrefoil grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dillenius' ticktrefoil bloom?

Dillenius' ticktrefoil blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Dillenius' ticktrefoil native?

Dillenius' ticktrefoil (Desmodium glabellum) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Dillenius' ticktrefoil host?

Dillenius' ticktrefoil is a larval host plant for silver-spotted skipper and hoary edge.

Dillenius' ticktrefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Desmodium glabellum

Last reviewed: November 2026

Dillenius' ticktrefoil (Desmodium glabellum) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 16 more states. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Dillenius' ticktrefoil, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Dillenius' ticktrefoil (Desmodium glabellum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 18"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees

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 461 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

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An upright legume with three-part leaves and loose sprays of small pink to purple pea flowers in late summer, followed by segmented, flattened seed pods that stick readily to clothing and fur. It grows along dry woodland edges.

Growing Dillenius' ticktrefoil

Grow Dillenius' ticktrefoil in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for silver-spotted skipper, hoary edge.

Tick-trefoils are a key larval host genus for the silver-spotted skipper and hoary edge butterflies, and the flowers feed native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Dillenius' ticktrefoil need?: Dillenius' ticktrefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dillenius' ticktrefoil bloom?: Dillenius' ticktrefoil blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Dillenius' ticktrefoil native?: Dillenius' ticktrefoil (Desmodium glabellum) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Dillenius' ticktrefoil host?: Dillenius' ticktrefoil is a larval host plant for silver-spotted skipper and hoary 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Dillenius' ticktrefoil? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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