Skip to main content

Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil

Desmodium ciliare

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil (Desmodium ciliare)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Alan Weakley

Toxicity unknown

Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil (Desmodium ciliare) 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"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, IL and 14 more states

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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Hairy small-leaf ticktrefoil is a compact native perennial with small compound leaves and delicate pink to purple flower spikes that bloom from July through September. This low-growing plant forms neat clumps and produces small seed pods that stick to clothing and pet fur. It thrives in partial sun with average moisture and provides consistent summer color.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy Small-leaf 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.

  • Seeds stick to clothing and pets
  • Can appear weedy or wild
  • May spread beyond intended areas

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil need?
Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil bloom?
Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil native?
Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil (Desmodium ciliare) is native to AL, FL, GA, IL and 14 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil attract?
Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil draws bees and butterflies.
Is Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil HOA-friendly?
Hairy Small-leaf 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 Hairy Small-leaf Ticktrefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz