Desmodium canadense aka Canada Tickclover

Desmodium canadense belongs to Fabaceae, the pea family. It is a perennial, living for many years. Its names include showy tick trefoil and Canadian tick clover. It is native to southeastern Canada. Its range also covers the central and northeastern United States. It grows in a temperate climate. Wild plants grow in prairies, river meadows, and thickets. They also grow at lake edges and in limestone glades. Some grow in prairie patches left along railroads.

This plant grows upright, with soft growth rather than woody branches. Plants For A Future lists a height of 3 feet (0.9 metres). It gives a spread of about 2 feet (0.6 metres). That source calls its growth both moderate and fast. It lists rhizomes, or underground stems, among its root traits. The supplied species records say little about leaves or stems. They give no details about bark.

The flowers have shades of pink and purple. Plants For A Future gives summer through late summer for bloom. Chicago Botanic Garden gives May through October, a wider span. These records suggest bloom dates may differ with growing settings. Pods form after the flowers and hold seeds for wildlife. Birds visit the plant, which also draws butterflies. Chicago Botanic Garden suggests its use in beds and borders. The flowers also suit cut flower displays.

Grow it in full sun and soil that drains well. It can grow in light shade, too. Plants For A Future lists sand, loam, and clay as suitable soils. It accepts a wide range of acid and alkaline conditions. It suits dry to moist ground. Once established, plants can cope with drought. Chicago Botanic Garden lists medium water needs and USDA zones 3–7. Plants For A Future extends this range to zone 8. That source also notes some tolerance of floods and salt. It reports some tolerance of packed soil, too.

The plant fixes nitrogen and can help enrich the soil. Deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock eat its growth. Gamebirds and small rodents eat its seeds. Plants For A Future reports minor problems with disease and insects. It also warns that the plant may become a weed. This matters when you choose where to plant it. To grow seeds, scarify them, or nick their hard coats. They also need a short cold treatment. The source lists no known human food or medicinal uses. It reports no known hazards. This does not prove safety for people or pets.