When does Illinois tick trefoil bloom?

It flowers from July through September, producing clusters of small pink to purple pea-shaped blossoms on tall, branching stems.

What light conditions does Illinois tick trefoil need?

It needs full sun to grow well and flower reliably, since it is a plant of open prairies and dry upland fields.

How much water does Illinois tick trefoil require?

It does well with medium moisture but also handles drier soils once established, thanks to a deep taproot typical of prairie legumes.

What pollinators visit Illinois tick trefoil?

Bees and butterflies visit the flowers for nectar and pollen during the summer bloom period.

Does Illinois tick trefoil die back in winter?

Yes, it is an herbaceous perennial forb that dies back to the ground each year and regrows from its root system in spring.

Is Illinois Tick Trefoil HOA-friendly?

Illinois Tick Trefoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Illinois Tick Trefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Desmodium illinoense

Last reviewed: August 2026

Illinois tick trefoil is a tall upright prairie forb with pink to purple pea-like flowers from July through September. It grows best in full sun with medium to dry soil moisture and draws bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Illinois Tick Trefoil (Desmodium illinoense) 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

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, IA, IL, IN and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great Plains Great Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills

Illinois tick trefoil is a native wildflower that produces small pink to purple pea-like flowers in clusters during late summer. This upright perennial has three-part leaves and develops sticky seed pods that can attach to clothing and fur. It thrives in sunny locations and adds late-season color when many other plants are declining.

Growing Illinois Tick Trefoil

Grow Illinois Tick Trefoil in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Illinois Tick Trefoil 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.

Sticky seed pods create mess and attach to clothing
Can appear weedy and informal in structure
May self-seed aggressively in favorable conditions

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during the late summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

When does Illinois tick trefoil bloom?: It flowers from July through September, producing clusters of small pink to purple pea-shaped blossoms on tall, branching stems.
What light conditions does Illinois tick trefoil need?: It needs full sun to grow well and flower reliably, since it is a plant of open prairies and dry upland fields.
How much water does Illinois tick trefoil require?: It does well with medium moisture but also handles drier soils once established, thanks to a deep taproot typical of prairie legumes.
What pollinators visit Illinois tick trefoil?: Bees and butterflies visit the flowers for nectar and pollen during the summer bloom period.
Does Illinois tick trefoil die back in winter?: Yes, it is an herbaceous perennial forb that dies back to the ground each year and regrows from its root system in spring.
Is Illinois Tick Trefoil HOA-friendly?: Illinois Tick Trefoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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