Nuttall's Ticktrefoil
Desmodium nuttallii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Nuttall's Ticktrefoil (Desmodium nuttallii) 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
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, FL and 13 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
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz