Tick Trefoil

Desmodium incanum

General Information:

Known to be found in disturbed areas, the tick trefoil tends to grow on trails, fences, and other structures in full sunlight. It is a perennial, herbaceous shrub that is both seed propagated and vegetatively propagated. It is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and produces numerous flowers and fuzzy seed pods. 

Medicinal Uses:

The tick trefoil has been used in medications to treat dysentery, rheumatism, pyrexia, wounds, coughs, malaria, hepatitis, hemoptysis, and more. 

Did You Know:

The tick trefoil has small ‘hitchhiker’ seeds that will stick to humans and animals. They have been called nuisances due to having to pick them off of clothing and shoelaces.