slender bush clover
Lespedeza virginica
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink
- Foliage color
- Blue, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Slender bush clover (Lespedeza virginica) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. Pink flowers appear in small crowded clusters in early to late summer, and they draw butterflies and bees. Its seeds are an important food for bobwhite quail. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice.
Pairs well with Lanceleaf coreopsis, Standing Ovation little bluestem, and Spotted joe-pye weed.
Native range
AL, AR, CT, DC, and 28 more places. See all 32
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, and WV; ON.