Roundhead Lespedeza, RI Ecotype

Lespedeza capitata (Roundhead Lespedeza) is a nitrogen-fixing legume, also known as Round-Headed Bushclover and Bushclover. Roundhead Lespedeza is an erect-growing, clump-forming native perennial that typically grows to 5.3 ft. For about two weeks in late summer/early fall, Lespedeza capitata blooms with small white flowers. Roundhead Lespedeza has trifoliate leaves in an alternate arrangement on the stem. Lespedeza capitata seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals. Unlike seeds of Desmodium species, the small brown seeds of Roundhead Lespedeza do not stick to clothing. The seedheads of Lespedeza capitata provide visual texture to landscapes during fall and winter. Roundhead Lespedeza grows in partial shade to full sun in mesic to dry soils of dry open woods, sand dunes, and prairies. Lespedeza capitata can be found from Maine to Florida and Texas to Minnesota. Roundhead Lespedeza is drought tolerant and may be used in pollinator-friendly upland meadow, deer resistant, and partial shade meadow mixes. If growing Lespedeza capitata in a greenshouse, scarify the seed prior to planting to improve germination. Inoculate Roundhead Lespedeza seed with cowpea/peanut/lespedeza or lespedeza inoculant. Lespedeza capitata is a member of the pea (Fabaceae) family. The genus honors Vincent Manuel de Cespedes, the Spanish governor of Florida, who aided the botanist Michaux. The species name capitata means growing in a dense head.