How much sun does Sessile Tick-Clover need?

Sessile Tick-Clover grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Sessile Tick-Clover bloom?

Sessile Tick-Clover blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Sessile Tick-Clover native?

Sessile Tick-Clover (Desmodium sessilifolium) is native to AL, AR, FL, IA and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Sessile Tick-Clover attract?

Sessile Tick-Clover draws bees and butterflies.

Is Sessile Tick-Clover HOA-friendly?

Sessile 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.

Sessile Tick-Clover

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Desmodium sessilifolium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Sessile Tick-Clover (Desmodium sessilifolium) 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 × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, FL, IA and 14 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Southeastern Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains

Sessile-leaf tick trefoil produces clusters of small pink to purple pea-like flowers from summer through early fall. This upright perennial forms neat clumps with compound leaves and develops seed pods that stick to clothing and fur. It thrives in partial sun with average moisture and provides long-lasting color in naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sessile 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.

Seed pods stick to clothing and pets
Can spread and look weedy
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Sessile Tick-Clover need?: Sessile Tick-Clover grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Sessile Tick-Clover bloom?: Sessile Tick-Clover blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Sessile Tick-Clover native?: Sessile Tick-Clover (Desmodium sessilifolium) is native to AL, AR, FL, IA and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Sessile Tick-Clover attract?: Sessile Tick-Clover draws bees and butterflies.
Is Sessile Tick-Clover HOA-friendly?: Sessile 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Sessile Tick-Clover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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