Smooth Ticktrefoil
Desmodium laevigatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 16 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Smooth ticktrefoil is a native perennial with three-leaflet foliage and small pink to purple flowers that bloom through summer. This drought-tolerant wildflower grows in a clumping habit and dies back to the ground each winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
Smooth 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.
- Sticky seed pods create mess and cling to people and pets
- Can appear weedy and informal in structure
- May spread and look unkempt in formal landscapes
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract native bees and butterflies, while the seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Smooth Ticktrefoil need?
- Smooth Ticktrefoil grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Smooth Ticktrefoil bloom?
- Smooth Ticktrefoil blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Smooth Ticktrefoil native?
- Smooth Ticktrefoil (Desmodium laevigatum) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 16 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Smooth Ticktrefoil attract?
- Smooth Ticktrefoil draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Smooth Ticktrefoil HOA-friendly?
- Smooth 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 Smooth 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