Slender Lespedeza, VA Ecotype

Lespedeza virginica (Slender Lespedeza), also known as Slender Bushclover and Virginia Bushclover, is an erect-growing, clump-forming native perennial that typically grows to 3.8 ft. Slender Lespedeza has trifoliate leaves in an alternate arrangement on the stem. Lespedeza virginica, a nitrogen-fixing legume, blooms in late summer/early fall with purple flowers. Peak bloom period lasts about two weeks. Slender Lespedeza is a prolific producer of seeds that provide food for bobwhite quail and other ground nesting birds. Unlike Desmodium (Ticktrefoil) species, seeds of Lespedeza virginica do not stick to clothing. Slender Lespedeza grows in full sun to partial shade in mesic to dry soils of fields, open woods, and roadsides. Lespedeza virginica can be found from Massachusetts to Florida and Texas to Iowa and Kansas. With relatively short stature and attractive floral display, Slender Lespedeza may be used in commercial, residential, upland, and partial shade meadow mixes, as well as restoration mixes. While deer and rabbits may browse Lespedeza virginica, our production fields have not been decimated. Therefore, Slender Lespedeza is also appropriate for deer-resistant meadow mixes. If growing Lespedeza virginica in a greenhouse, scarify the seed prior to planting to improve germination. Inoculate Slender Lespedeza seed with cowpea/peanut/lespedeza or lespedeza inoculant. Lespedeza virginica is a member of the pea (Fabaceae) family. The genus honors Vincente Manuel de Cespedes, the Spanish governor of Florida, who aided the botanist Michaux. The species name virginica refers to Virginia.