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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Lespedeza virginica (Slender lespedeza)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Lespedeza virginica (L.) Britt.

Slender lespedeza, Slender bush clover

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

USDA Symbol: LEVI7

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Upright stem with compound leaves and small crowded clusters of lavender pea-like flowers in upper leaf axils.

This is a large, somewhat clover-like group in which considerable hybridizing has resulted in much variation in the 18 or more species found in the East. They are useful plants for improving the fertility of dry sites, and their seeds are a very important food for bobwhite quail. Some cultivated species, such as Japanese Clover (L. striata) and Korean Clover (L. stipulacea), frequently escape cultivation and occur wild from Pennyslvania to Kansas and southward. Other native species include Round-headed Bush-clover (L. capitata), with dense globose flower clusters in the leaf axils, a white and magenta-spotted corolla concealed by long sepals, and nearly stalkless hairy leaves, each with 3 oblong leaflets.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , MI , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , WI , WV
Canada: ON
Native Distribution: S. Ontario; s. New Hampshire south to Florida; west to Texas; north to Wisconsin and Michigan.
Native Habitat: Dry open woods, thickets, and clearings.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Lespedeza virginica in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Lespedeza virginica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lespedeza virginica

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-12-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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