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Flaigg, Norman G.

Lespedeza capitata

Lespedeza capitata Michx.

Roundhead Lespedeza, Roundhead Bush-clover, Round-headed Lespedeza, Round-headed Bush-clover

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s): Lespedeza bicknellii, Lespedeza capitata var. stenophylla, Lespedeza capitata var. velutina, Lespedeza capitata var. vulgaris

USDA Symbol: leca8

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

The stems of round-head bush-clover stand 2-4 ft. tall and, along with the trifoliate leaves, are covered with fine hairs. Clover-like flowers are greenish-white and held in clusters along the upper part of the stem. Stems remain erect through the winter when the seedheads have turned dark brown. This is a perennial.

From the Image Gallery

9 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Trifoliate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 4 feet tall.
Leaf: Green

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , ON
Native Distribution: ME to c. MN & s.e. SD, s. to FL & e. TX
Native Habitat: Upland prairies; sand dunes; dry, open woods; roadsides

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Well-drained soils.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Seeds provide food for birds and other wildlife.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds

Propagation

Description: Easily propagated from scarified seed. Sow unstratified seed in fall; stratified in spring.
Seed Collection: Collect from Oct. to Nov.
Seed Treatment: Scarification and moist stratification for 10 days.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FACU				FACU	UPL		FACU	FACU

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Bibref 1294 - The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2013-12-16
Research By: TWC Staff

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