Florida Ticktrefoil
Desmodium floridanum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Florida Ticktrefoil (Desmodium floridanum) 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
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
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz