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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Smooth Ticktrefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Desmodium laevigatum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Smooth Ticktrefoil (Desmodium laevigatum) 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

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

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 452 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

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz