How to Grow Tick Clover

Tick Clover

Desmodium adscendens

herb

Tick clover is a tropical perennial legume native to West Africa, characterized by compound leaves and small pink or purple flowers followed by distinctive segmented seed pods that stick to clothing and animal fur. It is valued in traditional African and Caribbean medicine for its hepatoprotective and immunostimulant properties. The plant grows as a spreading ground cover or low shrub in warm climates.

When should you plant Tick Clover in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Tick Clover timeline →

Example Tick Clover timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Tick Clover
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Tick Clover
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tick Clover dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily

💧

Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In tropical climates with high rainfall, ensure good drainage. Reduce watering during dry season dormancy.

📏

Spacing: 18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 90-120 days to first flower; continuous growth and flowering in warm climates

🌱

Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Well-rotted manure Perlite for improved drainage in humid climates

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; grows as an annual or container plant in zones 8-9 with winter protection

10a 10b 11a 11b

Get my Tick Clover timeline →

Growth Stages

Germination

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout and first cotyledons emerge; seedlings develop true leaves with characteristic trifoliate (three-leaflet) structure.

Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light once sprouted. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Plant develops compound leaves, expands root system, and increases in height and spread. Stems become woody at base.

Water regularly and provide full sun exposure. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer or nitrogen-fixing bacteria inoculant.

Flowering

6-10 weeks (initial); continuous in warm climates

Small pink, purple, or white flowers appear in axillary clusters along stems. Flowers are typical of the Fabaceae family.

Maintain consistent moisture and sunlight. Continue fertilizing with lower-nitrogen formulation to promote blooming. Flowers are self-fertile and will set seed.

Seed Pod Development & Maturation

4-6 weeks per flush

Flowers are replaced by distinctive segmented seed pods (loments) that are sticky or barbed, adhering to passing animals and clothing.

Allow pods to mature on plant. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Harvest pods once they darken and dry slightly if saving seeds.

Dormancy/Maintenance

Seasonal (2-4 months in cooler zones)

In cooler seasons or dry periods, growth slows significantly. Plant may lose some foliage in zones 8-9.

Reduce watering. Cut back dead stems in spring. In frost-prone areas, mulch heavily or container-grow and bring indoors.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Ginger Turmeric Moringa Aloe vera Hibiscus Other legumes (nitrogen-fixing nitrogen benefit)

Avoid planting near:

Allelopathic plants that inhibit legume growth Black walnut (produces juglone) Dense shade-producing trees that reduce light

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity in dry conditions.
Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if widespread.
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Use well-draining soil mix; treat with fungicides if detected early.

Uses

💊

Hepatoprotective & Liver Support

Medicinal

Desmodium adscendens is widely used in traditional African and Caribbean medicine to support liver health and regeneration. Scientific research suggests it contains alkaloids and phenolic compounds that may protect hepatocytes from damage. [source]

💊

Immune System Stimulation

Medicinal

The plant is traditionally used to strengthen immune function and as an adjunct in managing viral infections. Ethnobotanical use in West Africa supports this application. [source]

💊

Respiratory & Cough Support

Medicinal

Used traditionally in herbal medicine preparations to soothe respiratory conditions and support bronchial health. Often combined with other herbs in respiratory formulas. [source]

🍳

Herbal Tea & Infusions

Culinary

Fresh or dried leaves are steeped into aromatic herbal teas with a mild, slightly bitter taste. Often combined with other tropical herbs. [source]

🏠

Traditional Biocontrol & Nitrogen Fixation

Household

As a nitrogen-fixing legume, Desmodium improves soil fertility. In agroforestry, it is intercropped with food plants to enhance soil health and reduce pest pressure. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest leaves at any time during the growing season for fresh use or drying; typically 8-12 weeks after planting. For medicinal use, harvest leaves just before flowering when phytochemical concentration is highest. Harvest seed pods when dry and brown. Entire aerial parts can be harvested and dried for herbal preparations. Use leaves fresh or dry for teas, tinctures, and extracts.

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'tick clover' refers to the plant's distinctive segmented seed pods (loments) that are barbed or sticky and readily adhere to clothing, fur, and animal coats—a dispersal mechanism that can transport seeds over long distances.
🌱 Desmodium adscendens is a member of the Fabaceae (legume) family and forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, naturally enriching soil and reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
🌱 In traditional African herbalism, particularly in West Africa and the Caribbean, the plant is called 'three-leaved clover' or 'picul-picul' and is considered a 'spring tonic' herb to cleanse and rejuvenate the liver after winter or illness.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Perennial pH True Leaves

Shop Tick Clover plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Tick Clover planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Tick Clover seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Tick Clover timeline →