Maryland Tick-Trefoil
Desmodium marilandicum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Maryland tick trefoil is a native wildflower with three-part leaves and small pink to purple flowers that bloom from July through September. This perennial produces distinctive triangular seed pods that can stick to clothing and fur, helping with seed dispersal.
In an HOA neighborhood
Maryland 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.
- Seed pods stick to clothing and pets
- Can appear weedy and informal
- May self-seed aggressively
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the late summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
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 Maryland Tick-Trefoil fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.