Quick answer: Showy tick trefoil (Desmodium canadense) is native to 21 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Moist soils, indifferent to soil acidity |
| Bloom | Bloom Jun-Sep |
| Height | Up to 6 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts butterflies/hummingbirds, larval host for Eastern Tailed Blue, Silver-spotted Skipper, and Hoary Edge, special value to bumble bees |
Invasive / regulated
Can "take over a small garden" per conditions comments; not formally regulated.
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
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