Lespedeza virginica (Slender Bush Clover)

Lespedeza virginica (Slender Bush Clover) is an upright perennial boasting dense clusters of small pink pea-like flowers in mid to late summer. Blooming for about 3 weeks, each flower consists of a broad upper petal with rose-pink splotches and two smaller side petals adjacent to a lower lip. Borne in the upper leaf axils, they are visited by various bees and butterflies. The seeds are very important food for game birds. The erect stems are covered with fine white hairs. The alternate blue-green leaves are oblong to linear and trifoliate. Native to North America, Slender Bush Clover occurs naturally in rocky or dry open woodlands, sandy stream valleys, thickets, prairies, and fields, roadsides. It is useful for improving the fertility of dry sites as it adds nitrogen to the soil.

• Grows up to 24-30 in. tall (60-75 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm). Will naturalize by reseeding and prostrate stems rooting at the nodes.
• Performs best in full sun or light shade in mesic to dry, well-drained soils. This plant grows readily in soil that is loamy, rocky, or sandy. It has excellent drought resistance.
• Perfect for shaded shrub borders, cottage gardens, woodland edges, and open meadows.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Prune back after flowering if seeding and spreading are not desired.
• Propagate by seed. Store seeds for 10 days at 40°F (4°C) before planting them in warm soil.
• Native to much of the United States, as well as Ontario, Canada.