How much sun does Nuttall's Ticktrefoil need?

Nuttall's Ticktrefoil grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Nuttall's Ticktrefoil bloom?

Nuttall's Ticktrefoil blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Nuttall's Ticktrefoil native?

Nuttall's Ticktrefoil (Desmodium nuttallii) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 13 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Nuttall's Ticktrefoil attract?

Nuttall's Ticktrefoil draws bees and butterflies.

Is Nuttall's Ticktrefoil HOA-friendly?

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

Nuttall's Ticktrefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Desmodium nuttallii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, FL and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Nuttall's ticktrefoil is a native wildflower that produces small pink to purple flowers from late spring through summer. This herbaceous perennial grows in an upright, somewhat open form and provides seasonal color in naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nuttall's 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.

Wildflower appearance may look weedy to some
Seeds stick to clothing and pets
Can spread naturally through garden beds

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. As a legume, it also helps improve soil nitrogen levels naturally.

Common questions

How much sun does Nuttall's Ticktrefoil need?: Nuttall's Ticktrefoil grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Nuttall's Ticktrefoil bloom?: Nuttall's Ticktrefoil blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Nuttall's Ticktrefoil native?: Nuttall's Ticktrefoil (Desmodium nuttallii) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 13 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Nuttall's Ticktrefoil attract?: Nuttall's Ticktrefoil draws bees and butterflies.
Is Nuttall's Ticktrefoil HOA-friendly?: Nuttall's 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 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 Nuttall's Ticktrefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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