Hylodesmum nudiflorum
naked-flowered tick-trefoil
Overview
Hylodesmum nudiflorum is a woodland perennial in the pea family, native to dry to moist forests of eastern North America. It separates its foliage from its flowers: a cluster of long-stalked compound leaves rises from the base, each leaf divided into three broad, oval leaflets 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, while a separate, nearly leafless stalk carries the flowers. This flowering stalk reaches 24-40 inches (60-100 cm) and bears an open, branched spray of pink to rose-purple pea-like flowers from July to August. Each flower is about 0.3 inch (8 mm) long. The flowers give way to flat seedpods (loments) that break into one-seeded, triangular segments covered in tiny hooked hairs, which cling to fur and clothing. The species grows in partial to full shade on well-drained, acidic woodland soils and tolerates dry shade once established, though it flowers sparsely in deep shade. As a legume, it fixes nitrogen through root nodules. Foliage dies back after frost. The clinging seed segments spread on passing animals, which can carry the plant into new ground.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from Ontario and Maine south to Florida and Texas. It grows in dry to moist deciduous and mixed woods, on wooded slopes, and along forest edges.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland and shade gardens, native plant borders, and naturalized woodland edges. Spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart, plants form loose colonies over time. Used in shaded native plantings where the open flower sprays rise above lower groundcovers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'4"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open from July to August, lasting about four weeks. The branched flower spray opens gradually from the base outward. Hooked seed segments follow and ripen into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to rose-purple pea-like flowersFoliage Description
Green, compound with three broad leafletsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in partial to full shade in well-drained, acidic to neutral woodland soil enriched with leaf litter. Water during extended dry spells in the first season; established plants tolerate dry shade. Deep shade reduces flowering, while some morning sun increases it. No fertilizer is needed, as the plant fixes its own nitrogen. The hooked seed segments cling to clothing and pets, so remove spent flowering stalks before seed ripens where spread is unwanted. Foliage dies back after frost and needs no winter care.Pruning
Cut the flowering stalk to the ground after frost, or remove it earlier before the hooked seeds ripen to limit spread. Clear dead foliage in late autumn. No other pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons