Bicolor Lespedeza

(Lespedeza bicolor)

Bicolor Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lespedeza bicolor, commonly known as Bicolor Lespedeza, is a deciduous shrub native to open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands in East Asia, including China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. It typically grows to a height and width of up to 3 meters (9.8 feet), but in colder climates, it may remain smaller. This plant can experience rapid growth, shooting up from ground level to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in a single growing season. Bicolor Lespedeza has an erect form and features racemes of 10 to 15 pealike flowers that are pink and purple, blooming in late summer to early fall. The flowers are moderately showy, attracting pollinators. It also produces cleistogamous flowers that self-pollinate without opening. The fruit is a flat legume pod containing a single seed.

Bicolor Lespedeza is valued for its ability to control erosion and enhance wildlife habitats, offering cover and food for various animals. It is often used in reclamation projects and naturalized areas. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant, requiring low amounts of water. It adapts well to a variety of soils, preferring those with medium to fast drainage. However, gardeners should be cautious as Lespedeza bicolor can be extremely invasive outside its native range, potentially outcompeting native vegetation. It is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 5-9 feet
  • Width: 5-9 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands in East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan

Other Names

Common Names: Lespedeza Bicolor, Two-Coloured Bush-Clover, Bush Clover, Shrub Lespedeza, Lespedezie, Kahevarvuseline Lespedeetsa, Lespedeza Bicolore, Lespédèze Bicolore, Luzerne Tropicale, Dvispalve Dobilune

Scientific Names: , Lespedeza bicolor, Lespedeza bicolor var. bicolor, Lespedeza bicolor var. sericea, Lespedeza bicolor f. acutifolia, Lespedeza bicolor f. alba, Lespedeza penduliflora, Desmodium penduliflorum, Lespedeza bicolor var. japonica, Lespedeza bicolor var. nana

GBIF Accepted Name: Lespedeza bicolor Turcz.