Desmodium illinoense, common name Illinois tick-trefoil, is a plant species native to the central part of the United States including much of the Great Plains and Great Lakes regions. It also occurs in south-central Canada. It prefers sun-lit locations in grasslands.Desmodium illinoense is a perennial herb sometimes reaching a height of 1.2 m (4 feet), much of the shoot covered with hooked hairs. Leaves are trifoliate, up to 6.3 cm (2.5 inches) long. Leaflets are rounded, with a blunt tip.