Showy Tick Trefoil
Desmodium canadense
Last reviewed: June 2026
Desmodium canadense (Showy Tick Trefoil) is a native North American wildflower blooming pink-purple from July through September. This prairie forb attracts butterflies and bees across the Great Lakes and eastern regions.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
IL, IN, KS, MD and 16 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, nectar insects
Showy Tick Trefoil is a tall native perennial that produces clusters of pink to purple pea-like flowers from July through September. This upright plant grows 2-5 feet tall with compound leaves and creates an attractive vertical element in the landscape. It naturally reseeds and can form colonies over time.
Growing Showy Tick Trefoil
Grow Showy Tick Trefoil in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Showy Tick Trefoil is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- May flop without support
- Best in less formal zones
Wildlife value
The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other nectar-seeking insects throughout the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does Showy Tick Trefoil bloom?
- Desmodium canadense blooms from July through September, producing clusters of pink to purple pea-like flowers that attract butterflies and native bees.
- Where is Showy Tick Trefoil native?
- This wildflower is native to much of the eastern and central United States, including the Great Lakes region, Great Plains states like Kansas and Nebraska, and eastern states from Maine to Virginia.
- What pollinators visit Showy Tick Trefoil?
- Desmodium canadense attracts various butterflies, native bees, and other nectar-feeding insects with its summer blooms, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.
- Is Showy Tick Trefoil HOA-friendly?
- Showy Tick Trefoil is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Does Showy Tick Trefoil fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.