Bush Clover Lespedeza virginica

Virgina bush clover is a native perennial wildflower in the Fabaceae (bean) family which is native to much of the United states.  Hybridizing has resulted in a great variation in the 18 or more species.  In the wild, it can be found growing in dry woods, clearings, thickets, sandy prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland forests, savannas, scrubby barrens, limestone glades bluffs, and along lakes.  Typically, oak trees dominate the wooded areas where this plant is found.  

This plant prefers well-drained moist to dry sandy, loamy or rocky soils and sites in full sun to partial shade. Being a member of the Fabaceae family, its roots fix nitrogen so it adds fertility to poor soils, and once established it is very drought tolerant. This plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet.  It naturalizes easily in the landscape through self seeding but can also propagate through rooting of its prostrate stems.  

Flowers are visited by many pollinators, the leaves are a larval food source for butterflies and the seeds from this plant are a food source for the bobwhite quail and other songbirds. The leaves are browsed by deer and rabbits.  They are capable of forming fertile seeds without insect pollination.  It will naturalize by reseeding and prostrate stems rooting at the nodes.

As it blooms on new wood, cut this herbaceous plant to the ground in the winter.  It will come back next spring with a vengeance.  

Plant in a meadow, woodland, or cottage garden, or let it naturalize in an informal area of the landscape.  This pollinatator plant makes an excellent addition to a butterfly or wildlife garden or planted in the middle of a wildflower border. 

Recipient of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.