SafePlants

Showy Tick Trefoil (Desmodium canadense)

Showy Tick Trefoil, scientifically known as Desmodium canadense, is a common wildflower with attractive pink flowers. It is also known by the common names Canadian Tick Trefoil and Canada Tickclover, among others.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is also referred to as "stick tights," which may be relevant due to potential seed dispersal mechanisms.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is also referred to as "stick tights," which may be relevant due to potential seed dispersal mechanisms.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Desmodium canadense (L.) DC.
• Common Names: Showy Tick Trefoil, Canadian Tick Trefoil, Canada Tickclover, Beggar's Lice, Stick Tights, Canada Tick Trefoil, Canadian Tick-trefoil, Canada Tickclover.
• Family: Fabaceae (Bean or Legume family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: Meibomia canadensis (L.) Kuntze
• Group: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America.
• Found in woods, prairies, upland prairies, roadsides, old fields and disturbed habitats.
• Common in Missouri.

Ecological Role

• A legume that helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
• Considered a valuable wildlife plant.
• Provides a crucial food source for wild birds such as northern bobwhites, ruffed grouse, and wild turkeys.
• Supports a wide range of wildlife.
• Can easily take over a small garden if not managed.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Herbaceous perennial forb.
• Slender-stemmed, often bushy.
• Typically 2-6 feet (0.6-1.8 meters) tall, but sometimes shorter.
• Erect, leafy stems that branch at the inflorescence.
• Deep taproot making it drought-tolerant.
• Produces numerous rose-colored, pea-like flowers in dense, nodding, spike-like clusters.
• Flowers are pink to purple with 2 yellow spots and are approximately ¼ inch in size.
• Blooms in July and August, typically for about three weeks.

Quirky Facts

• Showy Tick Trefoil is considered the showiest of the Tick Trefoils (Desmodium) due to its numerous large pink and violet flowers.

Cultivation

• Hardy to Zone 4.
• Prefers full sun, but tolerates part shade.
• Grows in average to moist soils.
• Easy to grow, almost to a fault, and ideal for naturalizing large areas.
• An unstoppable re-seeder.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Further Information

• Photos and information available from sources such as Minnesota flora and Ontario Wildflowers.
• Seeds available from Ion Exchange.