Stiff Tick Trefoil
Desmodium obtusum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 13 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Stiff tick-trefoil is a compact native wildflower with three-leaflet leaves and small pink to purple pea-like flowers that bloom from midsummer through early fall. The plant forms neat clumps and produces segmented seed pods that can stick to clothing and fur. It's drought tolerant once established and works well in prairie gardens or naturalized areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Stiff Tick Trefoil 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 creating maintenance complaints
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to conventional landscaping standards
- May spread beyond intended areas
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
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 Stiff Tick Trefoil fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.