How much sun does Largebract Ticktrefoil need?

Largebract Ticktrefoil grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Largebract Ticktrefoil bloom?

Largebract Ticktrefoil blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Largebract Ticktrefoil native?

Largebract Ticktrefoil (Desmodium cuspidatum) is native to AL, FL, IA, IL and 14 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Largebract Ticktrefoil host?

Largebract Ticktrefoil is a larval host plant for Silver-spotted Skipper and Hoary Edge Skipper.

Is Largebract Ticktrefoil HOA-friendly?

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

Largebract Ticktrefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Desmodium cuspidatum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Largebract Ticktrefoil (Desmodium cuspidatum) 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

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, FL, IA, 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 452 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

Great Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Largebract ticktrefoil is a native perennial that grows 2-4 feet tall with compound leaves and small pink to purple flowers in summer. This legume adds nitrogen to the soil and provides a naturalistic appearance in partial sun locations. The plant dies back in winter and returns each spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Largebract 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.

Has a wild, weedy appearance
Seeds can stick to clothing and pets
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

Host plant for Silver-spotted Skipper, Hoary Edge Skipper.

The summer flowers attract native bees and butterflies for nectar. As a native legume, it serves as a host plant for some butterfly caterpillars and provides seeds for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Largebract Ticktrefoil need?: Largebract Ticktrefoil grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Largebract Ticktrefoil bloom?: Largebract Ticktrefoil blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Largebract Ticktrefoil native?: Largebract Ticktrefoil (Desmodium cuspidatum) is native to AL, FL, IA, IL and 14 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Largebract Ticktrefoil host?: Largebract Ticktrefoil is a larval host plant for Silver-spotted Skipper and Hoary Edge Skipper.
Is Largebract Ticktrefoil HOA-friendly?: Largebract 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Largebract 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 app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

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