Desmodium procumbens, commonly known as Trailing Tick-trefoil, is an annual herb native to a wide range of habitats including tropical and subtropical regions, open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas in North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-1.5 feet (0.15-0.5 meters) and spreads out with a trailing habit, making it effective as ground cover. The plant features trifoliate leaves and produces small, showy pink or purple flowers during the summer and fall, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Trailing Tick-trefoil is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing soil fertility, and its flowers provide aesthetic appeal. It is often used in restoration projects, as a ground cover in garden borders, and for erosion control due to its spreading habit. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium draining loam or clay soils. It requires medium amounts of water, making it relatively easy to maintain once established. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can spread quickly and may become weedy in some conditions, so gardeners should monitor its growth to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0