tick-trefoil

Tick-trefoil (Desmodium illinoense) prefers moist soil and regular watering will help the plant thrive. Generally, this plant should be watered 1 to 2 times a week, depending on the temperature and rainfall. During warm weather with little rainfall (above 85°F (29°C) and less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of rain per week), you should water this plant more frequently, 2 to 3 times per week. If rainfall increases substantially, reduce the number of times you water to once a week. During cooler weather, you can reduce the amount of water to once every 10-14 days. As with most plants, water at the soil level and avoid getting the foliage wet. It is best to water in the morning so that the plant has time to dry out before nightfall. Wet foliage is more susceptible to disease and fungi. You can check the moisture level of the soil by sticking your finger in the soil. If it is dry, your plant needs water.

Tick-trefoil (Desmodium illinoense) is best grown in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally in a spot that gets morning or early afternoon sunlight. When receiving insufficient sunlight, it may become weak and leggy, with reduced flowering and overall health. It will grow in partial shade, although flowering and seed setting may be reduced.

Tick-trefoil (Desmodium illinoense) should be pruned in the early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should take place after all danger of frost has passed; this typically falls between mid-March and mid-April. Pruning should focus on removing dead and damaged branches as well as any that are crossing or rubbing. After this, shaping can be done by selectively removing new growth to encourage branching or to open up the canopy of the plant. Pruning should only remove a third to a half of the new growth each year and only when it is needed.