Showy Tick Trefoil
Hardiness zone: 4
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Showy Tick Trefoil (Desmodium canadense)
Nitrogen-fixing native pollinator perennial for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 4–7)
Quick Expert Summary
The Showy Tick Trefoil (Desmodium canadense) is a fast-growing, cold-hardy perennial ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 4–7). It typically grows 1–2 ft per year and reaches 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m) at maturity. Best for naturalized plantings, pollinator gardens, and prairie-style landscapes, it offers abundant pink-violet summer flowers and exceptional adaptability to a wide range of soils, including dry conditions.
Why Choose Showy Tick Trefoil for Ontario and Eastern Canada?
A resilient native perennial that improves soil health while delivering strong pollinator value and vibrant summer colour.
Hardiness: Zone 4 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7)
Growth Rate: Fast
Best For: Small yards, Ornament, Naturalized areas, Pollinator gardens
Maintenance: Low once established
Key Feature: Pink-violet summer flowers and nitrogen fixation
Native / Non-native: Native to Eastern North America
It adapts well to:
- Loamy soils
- Clay soils
- Well-drained, adaptable soil conditions
- Urban and rural environments
- Drought and variable moisture conditions
Plant Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Mature Height | 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m) |
| Mature Spread | 1.5–2 ft |
| Growth Rate | 1–2 ft per year |
| Hardiness Zone | 4 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Preference | Well-drained, adaptable, loamy to clay |
| Water Needs | Low once established |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Deer Resistance | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 10+ years |
Is Showy Tick Trefoil Right for Your Yard?
Choose Showy Tick Trefoil if:
- You want fast vertical growth within 1–2 seasons
- You have a medium to large yard
- You live in Zones 4–7
- You want vibrant summer blooms and ecological benefits
- You need a plant for naturalized or prairie-style planting
Not ideal if:
- Your yard is very small (upright growth habit)
- You need a formal, compact ornamental plant
- You are planting in permanently wet, poorly drained soil
Best Uses
- Pollinator gardens
- Prairie-style plantings
- Naturalized landscapes
- Meadow restoration
- Wildlife-friendly gardens
Why it works:
Showy Tick Trefoil produces abundant nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators while enriching the soil through nitrogen fixation. Its deep root system ensures drought tolerance and long-term resilience.
What Makes Showy Tick Trefoil Special?
A standout native perennial combining beauty, resilience, and ecological benefits.
- Spring: Upright stems with emerging trifoliate foliage
- Summer: Spectacular pink-violet flower clusters attract pollinators
- Fall: Decorative seed pods with hooked hairs appear
- Winter: Dormant, extremely cold-hardy root system
Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada
Yes, Showy Tick Trefoil is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 4–7 and tolerates typical Canadian winter conditions including snow load and freezing temperatures.
First-year tip:
- Add 2–3 inches of mulch
- Water deeply before the first hard frost
- Consider wind protection if your site is exposed
Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada
Best planting time:
- Spring (April–June)
- Early fall (September–October)
Spacing:
- 1.5–2 ft from foundations
- 1.5–2 ft between plants
Watering (first year):
- Water deeply once per week for the first 6–8 weeks
- Adjust based on rainfall and soil drainage
Quick Answers (FAQ)
Is it cold hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 4 and performs well in Zones 4–7.
What growing conditions does this plant need (sun and soil)?
Full sun with well-drained, adaptable soil (loamy to clay).
Is Showy Tick Trefoil good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and supports biodiversity.
Are the roots invasive?
No. It may spread naturally but remains manageable in garden settings.
Is it messy?
Slightly. Seed pods can cling to clothing or animal fur.
Compare With Similar Perennials
| Plant | Growth | Key Feature | Best For |
| Showy Tick Trefoil | Fast | Nitrogen-fixing + pink flowers | Naturalized gardens |
| Round-headed Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata) | Moderate | Drought-tolerant native legume | Dry prairie gardens, poor soils |
| Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) | Fast | Showy blue flower spikes; nitrogen-fixing | Sandy soils, pollinator habitats |
Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Nursery-grown
- Carefully packaged
- Shipped to your door in Ontario and Eastern Canada
- Healthy root system guarantee (if applicable)
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Related Articles
- Best Native Pollinator Plants for Ontario
- How to Build a Prairie Garden in Eastern Canada
Sizes of our plants
Sizes of our plants
Our trees and shrubs are sold in two sizes: small (110 ml volume) and large (310 ml volume).
Volume discount
Volume discount
At TreesOnline.ca, the more you buy, the more you save! We offer a volume discount program that benefits our customers who place large orders! To find out the discount you will receive, based on the value of your order, consult the table below.
From $0.00 to $199.99 = 0% discount
From $200.00 to $299.99 = 5% discount
$300.00 and over = 10% discount
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery available across Canada. Order now and receive your plants in Spring 2026.
Nursery pickup: A flat preparation and packaging fee of $8 will be added to your bill upon pickup. Select the "nursery pickup" option at checkout on our online store.
Quebec and Ontario: Base fee of $23, plus 20% of the plants' value. Add $5 for signature.
All other Canadian provinces: Base fee of $50, plus 20% of the plant value. Add $5 for signature.
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Questions about our terminology? Consult our online glossary .
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