Florida Ticktrefoil
Desmodium floridanum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, FL, GA, SC
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Florida ticktrefoil is a native perennial wildflower that produces small pink to purple pea-like flowers from late spring through summer. This modest-sized plant grows in a somewhat open, branching habit and thrives in partial sun conditions with average moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Florida Ticktrefoil 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.
- Informal wildflower appearance may be deemed too wild
- Open growth habit lacks neat structure
- Unknown leaf retention creates seasonal uncertainty
Wildlife value
Host plant for cloudless sulphur, long-tailed skipper.
The flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. As a member of the legume family, it also helps improve soil nitrogen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Florida Ticktrefoil need?
- Florida Ticktrefoil grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Florida Ticktrefoil bloom?
- Florida Ticktrefoil blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Florida Ticktrefoil native?
- Florida Ticktrefoil (Desmodium floridanum) is native to AL, FL, GA, SC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Florida Ticktrefoil host?
- Florida Ticktrefoil is a larval host plant for cloudless sulphur and long-tailed skipper.
- Is Florida Ticktrefoil HOA-friendly?
- Florida Ticktrefoil 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 Florida Ticktrefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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