Illinois Tick Trefoil is a sturdy and dependable native perennial that brings a touch of wild elegance to the dry prairie or meadow. Growing 3 to 6 feet tall, this plant is characterized by its upright stems and slightly hairy, trifoliate leaves that give it a textured appearance. From July to August, it produces long, slender spikes of small, lavender to pale purple flowers that open progressively from the bottom up. Native to the central United States and parts of Canada, it is exceptionally well-suited to dry, sunny sites with well-drained soil. Like its relatives, it is a nitrogen-fixing legume that improves soil quality and serves as a vital host for various butterfly species. Its seeds, held in flat, segmented pods known as 'sticktights,' are a significant food source for wild turkeys and other wildlife. For the gardener, Illinois Tick Trefoil is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant choice that provides late-summer color and structural interest, especially when planted in groups where its tall spikes can sway in the prairie breeze.

Quick facts

• Height: 3–6 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Medium-Dry to Dry
• Bloom time: Jul–Aug (Purple)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Wild Turkey food, Legume, Sticktights
• Native range: Native to 15 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Illinois Tick Trefoil