Desmodium canadense

showy tick trefoil (Meibomia canadensis)

A beautiful and little known species, showy tick-trefoil's midsummer blooms are much beloved by bees. This tall plant will spread when the conditions allow it and, happily, it looks great in masses. This plant is a nitrogen fixer!

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Height: 18-36 in
Spread: 12-24 in
Hardiness Zone: 2-7


Bloom Color: Purple

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
• Species
Exposure
• Sun
• Part Shade
Soil Moisture
• Average
• Dry
• Wet
Ecoregion
• (84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
• (82) Acadian Plains and Hills
• (58) Northeastern Highlands
• (83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
• (59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
• Summer Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
• Host Plant
• Attracts Butterflies
• Attracts Bees
Tolerance
• Compaction Tolerant
Additional Attributes
• Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
• Naturalize
• Massing
• Meadow garden
• Rain Garden
Growth Habit
• Spreading/Suckering


North American Distribution


showy tick trefoil - Desmodium canadense from Native Plant Trust
showy tick trefoil - Desmodium canadense from Native Plant Trust
showy tick trefoil - Desmodium canadense from Native Plant Trust