Desmodium canadense (Showy Tick Trefoil)

A nitrogen fixer, Desmodium canadense (Showy Tick Trefoil) is an erect, bushy perennial boasting elongated clusters packed with numerous pink or rose-purple pea-like flowers. Blooming for about 3 weeks in early summer to early fall, the blossoms are visited my numerous bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers are borne atop slender stems clad with three-parted, compound leaves. Their undersides have fine hooked hairs that cling to clothing or the fur of passing animals. The flowers are followed by flat seedpods that are also covered with fine hooked hairs, and are distributed by passing animals. Gamebirds and small rodents eat the seeds. This plant is also highly edible to various mammalian herbivores, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. Highly adaptable, Showy Tick Trefoil will spread quickly in optimum growing conditions, requiring a great deal of space for its full development.

• Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates clay soils and drought. 
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed. Sow untreated, scarified or cold-moist stratified seed in the spring.
• Native to North America.