Tick Trefoil Plant Care
Desmodium ciliare (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Desmodium ciliare, the hairy small-leaf ticktrefoil, is a perennial forb native to North America. It grows 0.2-1.0 meters tall, has alternate, trifoliolate compound leaves, and pink or purple flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to full sun
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tick Trefoil?
Water Tick Trefoil every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tick Trefoil Native To?
What Is the Tick Trefoil?
Tick Trefoil (Desmodium ciliare) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Desmodium genus. Tick Trefoil is native to North America. Tick Trefoil is also known as Beggar-ticks.
Tick Trefoil displays a spreading, low-growing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tick Trefoil produces small, pea-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tick Trefoil?
Desmodium ciliare requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tick Trefoil Need?
Tick Trefoil thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Tick Trefoil in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tick Trefoil Prefer?
Desmodium ciliare grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Tick Trefoil prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tick Trefoil?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tick Trefoil to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tick Trefoil?
Feed Tick Trefoil every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tick Trefoil?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tick Trefoil?
Tick Trefoil can be propagated through seeds, division of roots, stem cuttings.
Is the Tick Trefoil Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tick Trefoil, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tick Trefoil?
Tick Trefoil is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tick Trefoil Need?
Tick Trefoil grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Tick Trefoil is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow Tick Trefoil as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Tick Trefoil is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Desmodium genus — compare its care with other Desmodium species on PlantoScan.
Desmodium is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Tick Trefoil thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Desmodium ciliare (Muhl. ex Willd.) DC., family Fabaceae (first published in Prodr. 2: 329 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tick Trefoil, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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