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