Trailing Bush-Clover
(Lespedeza procumbens)
Trailing Bush-Clover (Lespedeza procumbens)
/
/
© Anna Hess
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
© Anna Hess
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Anna Hess | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: aimeeeasterling | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lespedeza procumbens, commonly known as Trailing Bush-Clover, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, prairies, and fields in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-3 feet (0.15-0.9 meters) and a width of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters). This plant forms a low, spreading mound with slender stems and small, trifoliate leaves. The small, pea-like, purple to pink flowers bloom from late summer to fall and are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Trailing Bush-Clover is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it beneficial for soil health. It is used in native plant gardens, as a ground cover, and for erosion control due to its spreading habit. It is drought-tolerant once established, preferring well-drained soils, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Trailing Bush-Clover is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it beneficial for soil health. It is used in native plant gardens, as a ground cover, and for erosion control due to its spreading habit. It is drought-tolerant once established, preferring well-drained soils, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, prairies, and fields
Other Names
Common Names: Trailing Lespedeza, Lespédèze Couchée
Scientific Names: , Lespedeza procumbens, Lespedeza procumbens var. procumbens,
GBIF Accepted Name: Lespedeza procumbens Michx.