Showy Tick-trefoil

Desmodium canadense
 
 
 
This bushy member of the Pea family is great for restorastion as a fast-growing cover in problem areas.  It has an aggressive habit and fixes nitrogen in the soil. The rose-purple pea-like blossoms form peculiar jointed pods that break into one-seeded segments when mature. Good mid-summer source of nectar and pollen in hard to grow areas.