This native perennial grows up to 4 feet tall. The leaves are at the base of thin, erect or arching stems. These leaves are divided into three egg-shaped but sharply pointed leaflets, up to 6 inches long (B). The small, white to purple, pea-like flowers are found on branched spikes far above the leaves (A,C). The fruit is a flat pod (D) which clings to clothing and animal fur. Identified by its pale purple, pea-like flowers on thin, tall, arching spikes.
Grows in moist woodlands, flowering from June through August. In Fontenelle Forest, uncommon, for instance on Hawthorn Trail. At Neale Woods, uncommon on Settlers and Nebraska Trails.
Other common names include Beggar’s Lice and Pointed-Leaved Tick-trefoil.
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