Description
Showy Tick Trefoil (Desmodium canadense) is a tall prairie native that produces spikes of soft pink flowers in mid to late summer. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable species for wildlife gardens and prairie restorations. After flowering, the plant forms distinctive segmented seed pods that cling to clothing or animal fur, helping distribute the seeds.
Showy Tick Trefoil grows best in full sun and medium to dry soils, though it tolerates a range of conditions once established. Its upright stems and airy flower spikes add height and texture to prairie plantings. This species is often used in native meadows, pollinator plantings, and restoration projects where hardy legumes are needed.
