Illinois Tick Trefoil
Desmodium illinoense
Last reviewed: June 2026
Desmodium illinoense (Illinois Tick Trefoil) is a native prairie forb blooming pink flowers from July through September across the Midwest. This drought-tolerant wildflower attracts bees and butterflies to prairies and open woodlands.
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
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?
- Illinois Tick Trefoil produces pink flowers from July through September, providing late-season nectar for pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Illinois Tick Trefoil?
- Bees and butterflies are the primary pollinators of Illinois Tick Trefoil, attracted to its pink flower clusters during summer and early fall.
- Where is Illinois Tick Trefoil native?
- Illinois Tick Trefoil is native to the Midwest and Great Plains, found naturally in Arizona, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
- What growing conditions does Illinois Tick Trefoil prefer?
- Illinois Tick Trefoil thrives in full sun to partial sun with medium moisture, though it tolerates a wide range of water conditions from wet to dry soils.
- 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.
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 Illinois Tick Trefoil? 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