Panicled Tick-clover
Desmodium paniculatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Desmodium paniculatum is a native wildflower found across eastern and central United States that blooms from July through September. This tick-clover attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its pink flower clusters.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Panicled Tick-clover as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Panicled tick-clover is a native prairie perennial that produces delicate purple flowers on branching stems from summer into fall. This upright wildflower forms clumps and can spread gradually to create naturalized colonies in sunny areas.
Growing Panicled Tick-clover
Grow Panicled Tick-clover in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Panicled Tick-clover 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.
- Looks weedy and unkempt when dormant
- Informal wildflower appearance may be considered messy
- Seeds can stick to clothing and pets
Wildlife value
Host plant for silver-spotted skipper, long-tailed skipper.
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for birds, and the foliage serves as a host plant for several butterfly species.
Common questions
- When does Panicled Tick-clover bloom?
- Desmodium paniculatum blooms from July through September, producing clusters of small pink flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Panicled Tick-clover?
- This native wildflower attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles. The small pink flowers provide nectar and pollen for these important pollinators throughout the late summer months.
- Where is Desmodium paniculatum native?
- Panicled Tick-clover is native to much of the eastern and central United States, ranging from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Panicled Tick-clover prefer?
- This adaptable native forb tolerates full sun to partial sun and can grow in various moisture conditions from wet to dry soils, making it suitable for diverse garden situations.
- Is Panicled Tick-clover toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Panicled Tick-clover as toxic to livestock.
- Is Panicled Tick-clover HOA-friendly?
- Panicled Tick-clover 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 Panicled Tick-clover? 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