SafePlants

Illinois Tick Trefoil (Desmodium illinoense)

The Illinois Tick Trefoil, scientifically known as Desmodium illinoense, is a perennial herb native to the central United States.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Desmodium illinoense A. Gray
• Common Names: Illinois Tick Trefoil, Illinois Tick-trefoil, Illinois tickclover
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
• Genus: Desmodium

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the central part of the United States, including much of the Great Plains.
• Specific locations include Ontario south to Ohio, southwest to Illinois and Arkansas, west to Oklahoma, north to South Dakota and Minnesota.
• Primarily found in prairies and glades.

Morphological Characteristics

• Herbaceous perennial plant reaching 2-4 feet (approximately 1-2 metres) in height. Some sources say it can reach 3-6 feet.
• Erect with branching stems.
• Stout central stem, round and covered with fine hooked hairs.
• Leaves are three-parted with lance-shaped leaflets.
• White to pink pea-like flowers that may fade to purple. Some sources suggest yellowish flowers.
• Fruit measures 4 to 8 mm in length and 3.5 to 5 mm in width.
• Sticky seed pods follow the blooms.

Ecological Role

• Nitrogen-fixing legume.
• Important food source for wild birds such as northern bobwhites, ruffed grouse, and wild turkeys.
• Used by quail, pheasants, turkey, and ground birds for food and cover.

Quirky Facts

• Other plants in the Desmodium genus are sometimes called tick-trefoil, tick clover, hitch hikers or beggar lice.

Additional Information

• The Illinois Plant Information Network (ILPIN) provides further information.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database contains photos and information.