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(Lespedeza hirta)
Hairy Lespedeza (Lespedeza hirta)
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Michelle W.
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Michelle W.
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Michelle W. | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Michelle W. | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-08-15T08:01:39-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lespedeza hirta, commonly known as Hairy Lespedeza, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to prairies, fields, and open woodlands in the Southeastern USA. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant has a bushy appearance with hairy stems and foliage, which gives it its common name. It produces small, white to pinkish-purple, pea-like flowers in late summer to early fall, which are attractive to bees and butterflies. The flowers are not particularly showy but add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall appearance.
Hairy Lespedeza is valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and its drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for restoration projects and naturalized areas. It is also used in borders and as a ground cover in sunny locations. This plant is particularly beneficial to wildlife, supporting numerous Lepidoptera species. It requires full sun to light shade and prefers well-drained soils, although it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and spread, which should be monitored to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0
Hairy Lespedeza is valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and its drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for restoration projects and naturalized areas. It is also used in borders and as a ground cover in sunny locations. This plant is particularly beneficial to wildlife, supporting numerous Lepidoptera species. It requires full sun to light shade and prefers well-drained soils, although it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and spread, which should be monitored to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to prairies, fields, and open woodlands in the Southeastern USA
Other Names
Common Names: Hairy Bush-Clover
Scientific Names: , Lespedeza hirta, Lespedeza angustifolia, Lespedeza hirta var. hirta, Lespedeza hirta var. curtissii, Lespedeza polystachya, Lespedeza hirta subsp. curtissii, Lespedeza hirta var. appressipilis, Hedysarum hirtum, Lespedeza hirta var. dissimulans
GBIF Accepted Name: Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem.