Slender Lespedeza
(Lespedeza virginica)
Slender Lespedeza (Lespedeza virginica)
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Becky Dill
Public Domain
Image By:
Becky Dill
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Becky Dill | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Becky Dill | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-08-16T17:44:52Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lespedeza virginica, commonly known as Slender Lespedeza, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, prairies, and fields in Eastern North America, extending into Northern Mexico. It typically grows up to 2.5 feet tall and features a slender, erect growth habit. Slender Lespedeza has trifoliate compound leaves with slender primary petioles, and the stems are covered in small white hairs, giving it a soft texture. The foliage is dark green, sometimes appearing pale, and the plant produces delicate pink flowers with a broad upper petal and two side petals. The flowering season extends from July to September, with seed set from September to October. The plant’s taproot aids in drought resistance and establishment.
Slender Lespedeza is valued for its graceful appearance, wildlife support, and adaptability to a range of soil conditions, including rocky or sandy substrates. It is often used in naturalized plantings, prairie restorations, and as a ground cover in sunny to partially shaded areas. This species is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water once established, and thrives in soils with medium drainage. It is also beneficial in erosion control due to its root system. However, gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed and spread, potentially becoming weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Slender Lespedeza is valued for its graceful appearance, wildlife support, and adaptability to a range of soil conditions, including rocky or sandy substrates. It is often used in naturalized plantings, prairie restorations, and as a ground cover in sunny to partially shaded areas. This species is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water once established, and thrives in soils with medium drainage. It is also beneficial in erosion control due to its root system. However, gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed and spread, potentially becoming weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, prairies, and fields in Eastern North America and Northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Slender Bush-Clover, Lespédèze De Virginie
Scientific Names: , Lespedeza virginica, Lespedeza reticulata, Hedysarum reticulatum, Lespedeza violacea var. angustifolia, Lespedeza violacea var. sessiliflora, Lespedeza virginica f. deamii, Hedysarum sessiliflorum, Lespedeza reticulata var. angustifolia, Lespedeza reticulata var. sessiliflora
GBIF Accepted Name: Lespedeza virginica (L.) Britton