Maryland Tick-Trefoil
Desmodium marilandicum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Maryland Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium marilandicum) 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"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 20 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 areaBrowse 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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Maryland Tick-Trefoil need?
- Maryland Tick-Trefoil grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Maryland Tick-Trefoil bloom?
- Maryland Tick-Trefoil blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Maryland Tick-Trefoil native?
- Maryland Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium marilandicum) is native to AL, AR, CT, FL and 20 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Maryland Tick-Trefoil attract?
- Maryland Tick-Trefoil draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Maryland Tick-Trefoil HOA-friendly?
- Maryland 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 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 Maryland 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