Illinois Tick Trefoil

Illinois Tick Trefoil is a perennial legume that grows 3 to 5 feet tall and is notable for its contribution to natural landscapes and ecological restoration projects. This plant features compound leaves divided into three leaflets and thin, upright stems. In mid to late summer, it blooms with small, pink to purple flowers, forming dense clusters that attract a host of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Post-bloom, it produces flat, segmented seed pods covered in tiny hooks, which adhere to animals and clothing, effectively dispersing the seeds over a wide area. This plant is particularly beneficial in natural settings for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which enriches the soil, making it ideal for improving disturbed or poor soils.

• Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first growing season and during prolonged dry spells thereafter.
• Cut back in late winter to early spring to manage size and encourage bushier growth.
• Prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, including clay and loamy soils.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Monitor for pests and diseases, though it is generally robust and requires minimal care once established.