Showy Tick Trefoil (Desmodium canadense)

Distinguishing Characteristics

leaflets two to three times longer than broad on short stalks; stem striated.

Height

up to 6 feet

Blooms

July to September

Description

Leaves are alternate along the stem and divided into three leaflets. Stems have long, soft hairs. Fruit pods are in three to five hairy segments (resembling flattened chained beads) that attach easily to clothing.

Comments

In Missouri there are several species of tick trefoil found in a variety of habitats. Showy tick trefoil is common in upland prairies, roadsides and old fields. Tick trefoils are an excellent food source for wildlife (quail relish tick trefoil seeds) and livestock.Tick trefoil is not commonly used in wildflower seeding mixes because of the difficulty in removing the fruit pod. Tick trefoils will spread into new grass plantings because of the sticky nature of the fruit pod. It can be used as a perennial native food plot.