Smooth Tick Trefoil

Rare in much of its range! Soft, slightly fuzzy light green leaves in 'trefoil' shaped sets of three, with light purple sweetpea-like flowers. Seed capsules are triangular, flat, and readily stick to clothing, but aren't damaging to fabric and are easy to remove (much like a felt board). Tolerates clay soil, rocky soil, and high amounts of limestone. Seeds are eaten by many speccies of bird, including seed-eating songbirds, wild turkeys, most types of woodland game bird, and waterfowl. Foliage is also eaten by many types of wildlife, and may require some protection from deer. Sets seed yearly, and can form elegant stands, often showing a preference for disturbed areas like upland stream edges or gardens. As a member of the pea family, this species improves the soil by fixing nitrogen, and grows best from seed when planted with rhizobium inoculant.

2.5-5 foot tall
Plant Hardiness Zones: 5b-9b
Perennial

Native Range: CT south to FL, west to TX, north to IA, IL, IN, and MI. Considered rare in DE, PA, OH, IN, IA, and KS. Considered extirpated in NY and CT.

Germination - Easy: Scarify seed, then soak in water for 1 day.

Smooth Tick Trefoil in a 3.5 inch pot $14.00 (Temporarily Sold Out*)

Smooth Tick Trefoil Seed Packet $5.00

*We normally carry this item but are temporarily sold out. We expect to have it available again as soon as our plants in production reach sufficient size/maturity or we harvest more seed. In some cases, plants may be recovering from caterpillar damage (Monarchs love our Milkweed), wind or hail damage, rampaging woodchucks, downed trees, or other natural issues. We are constantly updating our web site so please check back again.

Review or Finalize Your Order