Water
Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings once established.
Reduce watering in winter.
Also known as Beggarlice · Canada Tick-Clover · Canada Tick-Trefoil
Showy tick-trefoil (Desmodium canadense) is a North American native wildflower with attractive pink to purple flowers and distinctive seed pods. It's a valuable addition
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun but will also grow well in partial shade. More sun generally leads to better flowering.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, but tolerates occasional dryness once established. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Cold-hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Prefers moderate temperatures during the growing season.
Low Feeds
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization. A light feeding in spring is usually sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings once established.
Reduce watering in winter.
Pruning is typically done to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning after flowering can help maintain shape and encourage a bushier habit.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering the following year.
Propagate by seed sown in autumn or early spring, or by division of established clumps in early spring. Seeds may benefit from stratification (cold, moist treatment) before sowing.
Cuttings can also be taken in early summer.
Repotting is generally not necessary for established garden plants. If grown in containers, repot in early spring every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Showy Tick-Trefoil (Desmodium canadense)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
| Species | Desmodium canadense |
Similar in genus Desmodium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
