How much sun does Dollarleaf need?

Dollarleaf grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Dollarleaf bloom?

Dollarleaf blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Dollarleaf native?

Dollarleaf (Desmodium rotundifolium) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Dollarleaf host?

Dollarleaf is a larval host plant for silver skipper.

Is Dollarleaf HOA-friendly?

Dollarleaf takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Dollarleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Desmodium rotundifolium

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Prostrate tick-trefoil is a low-growing native groundcover with small round leaves and tiny pink flowers that bloom from summer into fall. This trailing plant spreads naturally to form loose mats, making it useful for informal areas and naturalized gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dollarleaf 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.

Vine-like growth habit looks uncontrolled
Seed pods stick to clothing and pets
Too informal for typical HOA standards

Wildlife value

Host plant for silver skipper.

The summer flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles. As a member of the legume family, it also provides nitrogen fixation benefits to surrounding plants.

Common questions

How much sun does Dollarleaf need?: Dollarleaf grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Dollarleaf bloom?: Dollarleaf blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Dollarleaf native?: Dollarleaf (Desmodium rotundifolium) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Dollarleaf host?: Dollarleaf is a larval host plant for silver skipper.
Is Dollarleaf HOA-friendly?: Dollarleaf 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 Dollarleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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