Dollarleaf
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.
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 Dollarleaf fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.