Roundhead Bushclover
(Lespedeza capitata)
Roundhead Bushclover (Lespedeza capitata)
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Joshua Mayer
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Joshua Mayer
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Joshua Mayer | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: wackybadger | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lespedeza capitata, commonly known as Roundhead Bushclover, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, prairies, and fields throughout the Eastern and Central United States. It typically grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is characterized by erect stems and a deep taproot that may extend over two meters into the soil, with lateral roots reaching out one meter horizontally. The leaves are alternately arranged and compound, with several leaflets per leaf, and the plant is covered in silvery hairs that give it a distinctive appearance. Roundhead Bushclover produces flowers from late summer to early fall; these are borne in somewhat rounded clusters atop each stem, with each flower being white and adorned with a purple spot, adding a subtle but attractive splash of color to the landscape.
This plant is valued for its adaptability to poor soils and its drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance choice for restoration projects, native plant gardens, and naturalized areas. It is also used for erosion control due to its deep root system. Roundhead Bushclover thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with fast to medium drainage. While it is not particularly demanding in terms of water, it will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its adaptability to poor soils and its drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance choice for restoration projects, native plant gardens, and naturalized areas. It is also used for erosion control due to its deep root system. Roundhead Bushclover thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with fast to medium drainage. While it is not particularly demanding in terms of water, it will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow, White, Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, prairies, and fields throughout the Eastern and Central United States
Other Names
Common Names: Dusty Clover, Round-Headed Bush-Clover, Roundhead Lespedeza, Rabbit Foot, Lespédèze Capitée
Scientific Names: , Lespedeza capitata, Lespedeza frutescens, Lespedeza bicknellii, Lespedeza capitata var. vulgaris, Lespedeza capitata var. velutina, Lespedeza capitata var. stenophylla, Lespedeza velutina, Lespedeza capitata var. hirtiformis, Aeschynomene frutescens
GBIF Accepted Name: Lespedeza capitata Michx.