Native Plant Trust

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