Tap card to flip
Round-headed Bush Clover
Lespedeza capitata
PerennialRound-headed Bush Clover
Lespedeza capitata
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Full Sun
Water
Dry – Medium
Soil
Sandy, Loam
Size
2-4'
Bloom
Cream, Aug–Sep
Why Grow It
Nitrogen Fixing
Enriches your soil naturally
Drought Tolerant
Thrives with little water once established
Winter Interest
Beautiful structure in the cold months
Caterpillar Host
Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies
Did You Know?
As a legume, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, naturally enriching poor prairie soils for neighboring plants.
Its rigid, sturdy stems remain standing through winter, providing structure for snow to collect around and insulating the ground for overwintering insects.
It is a host plant for several butterfly species including the Southern Cloudywing, Northern Cloudywing, Hoary Edge, and Eastern Tailed-Blue.
Wildlife Value
🐦
Bobwhite Quail
Seeds are critical winter food for ground-nesting birds
🐝
Bumblebees
Pollinate the small cream-colored late-season flowers
🦌
Wild Turkey
Forages on seeds and insects found near plants
Good Companions
🌾 Little Bluestem
💛 Stiff Goldenrod
🌿 Rattlesnake Master
💜 Prairie Blazing Star
Planting Guide
- Scarify or soak seed overnight before spring planting in dry soil.
- Plant in full sun; thrives in poor, sandy, or gravelly soils.
- Do not fertilize; as a legume it fixes its own nitrogen.
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li