25 Seeds Showy Tick Trefoil Desmodium canadense Native Wildflower

Showy Tick Trefoil is a native perennial wildflower known for its upright habit and distinctive pink to purple pea-like blooms that appear in mid to late summer. Its textured trifoliate leaves and tall stems add vertical interest to naturalized areas, pollinator gardens, and meadow plantings. This legume species is valued for its ornamental appeal and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it a useful component of native landscape restorations.

In the garden, Showy Tick Trefoil works well in rain gardens, prairie plantings, and pollinator habitats. The flowers attract a range of beneficial insects, and the seed heads that follow add late-season texture. It prefers consistent moisture and full sun but tolerates a range of soil types once established. Its deep root system helps with soil stabilization, making it a practical choice for larger naturalized settings.
Species: Desmodium canadense
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Plant_Habit: Upright, clump-forming
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Medium to wet, well-drained loam
Zones: 3-8
Germination: Cold stratification recommended, 30-60 days
Sowing: Surface sow, press lightly, do not bury deeply
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Notes: Native to North America; attractive to pollinators