Desmodium canadense

Showy Tick Trefoil (Desmodium canadense) is a perennial native wildflower that typically grows up to 5 feet tall and features attractive purple blooms in mid to late summer. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers medium to medium-wet soils, but is adaptable to medium-dry conditions as well. This plant is well-suited for prairies, meadows, and open woodland edges, where it forms upright clumps and can naturalize in suitable habitats. Showy Tick Trefoil is tolerant of a range of soil types and is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen, benefiting surrounding plants. It is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, attracting bees and butterflies with its showy flowers.

Native range

Eastern and Central North AmericaNative here

Bloom time

July – September

Garden location

Southwest Sidewalk Bed