Round-Headed Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata)
Lespedeza capitata, commonly known as Round-Headed Bush Clover, is a native perennial legume found in prairies, open woods, and savannas across Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating dry, sandy, or rocky conditions, making it a resilient choice for tough sites and prairie restorations.
This upright plant features narrow, compound leaves with three leaflets and can reach heights of 2 to 5 feet. From late summer into fall, it produces dense, round flower heads composed of small, creamy white to pale pink flowers with purple markings. These globe-like blooms sit atop sturdy stems and are followed by hairy seed pods, which persist into winter.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lespedeza capitata is a valuable addition to dry prairie gardens, pollinator habitats, and erosion control plantings. As a legume, it enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting surrounding plants. Its flowers attract a variety of native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while its seeds provide food for birds like quail. This plant combines ecological function with understated beauty and pairs well with native grasses and other late-blooming prairie species.
Lespedeza capitata, commonly known as Round-Headed Bush Clover, is a native perennial legume found in prairies, open woods, and savannas across Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating dry, sandy, or rocky conditions, making it a resilient choice for tough sites and prairie restorations.
This upright plant features narrow, compound leaves with three leaflets and can reach heights of 2 to 5 feet. From late summer into fall, it produces dense, round flower heads composed of small, creamy white to pale pink flowers with purple markings. These globe-like blooms sit atop sturdy stems and are followed by hairy seed pods, which persist into winter.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lespedeza capitata is a valuable addition to dry prairie gardens, pollinator habitats, and erosion control plantings. As a legume, it enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting surrounding plants. Its flowers attract a variety of native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while its seeds provide food for birds like quail. This plant combines ecological function with understated beauty and pairs well with native grasses and other late-blooming prairie species.
Lespedeza capitata, commonly known as Round-Headed Bush Clover, is a native perennial legume found in prairies, open woods, and savannas across Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating dry, sandy, or rocky conditions, making it a resilient choice for tough sites and prairie restorations.
This upright plant features narrow, compound leaves with three leaflets and can reach heights of 2 to 5 feet. From late summer into fall, it produces dense, round flower heads composed of small, creamy white to pale pink flowers with purple markings. These globe-like blooms sit atop sturdy stems and are followed by hairy seed pods, which persist into winter.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lespedeza capitata is a valuable addition to dry prairie gardens, pollinator habitats, and erosion control plantings. As a legume, it enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting surrounding plants. Its flowers attract a variety of native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while its seeds provide food for birds like quail. This plant combines ecological function with understated beauty and pairs well with native grasses and other late-blooming prairie species.
Bloom: late summer to early fall
Habitats:
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 5 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: clay; loam; rocky material; sand