Slender Lespedeza (Lespedeza virginica)

Distinguishing Characteristics

Hairy stems with stalked narrow leaflets in threes; leaf margin lacks teeth.

Height

Up to 3 feet

Blooms

August-September

Description

Also called slender bush clover, the flowers are on very short stalks arising from leaf axils. Leaves are profuse.

Comments

Found throughout the Ozarks and prairie regions of Missouri in open woodlands, prairies, savannas and prairies. Several species of native lespedeza also are found in Missouri in a variety of upland habitats. Slender lespedeza is occasionally used in native forbs seeding mixes, but should be used more often as this is an excellent seed source for wildlife.