Photo of Lespedeza capitata by Prairie Nursery

Photo by Prairie Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Lespedeza capitata

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 3a-8b

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Lespedeza capitata plant details

Lespedeza capitata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Lespedeza capitata

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Lespedeza capitata

USDA Zones: 3a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

White flowers streaked with magenta in small round clusters decorate this 2-3' drought-tolerant wildflower in late summer-early fall. S/M-D/GDr
Plant this native Lespedeza for the birds! The sturdy stalks make excellent perches, and the seeds are retained late into the fall and winter, serving as an important food supply for our feathered friends. The inconspicuous white flowers emerge in summer on three to five foot tall stems, but the main attraction is the bronze seedheads that provide autumn and winter color. Prefers dry, well-drained soils, and does particularly well on dry, sandy soils. Grows in full sun to very light shade. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8.

Gardening facts about Lespedeza capitata plant

How to Grow Lespedeza capitata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Lespedeza for your garden

aka Lespedeza thunbergii 'Variegata', Variegated Bush Clover

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 4'

Width: 6'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Lespedeza thunbergii 'Spilt Milk' foliage by Cistus Nursery
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aka Gibraltar Bush Clover, Pink Bush Clover

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-8'

Width: 5'-12'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Lespedeza thunbergii 'Gibraltar' flower by Kristine Paulus
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aka Lespedeza liukiuensis 'Little Volcano', Lespedeza thunbergii subsp. thunbergii 'Little Volcano', Little Volcano Bush Clover

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - occasional
Photo of Lespedeza thunbergii 'Little Volcano' flower, foliage by Leonora (Ellie) Enking
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aka Spring Grove Bush Clover

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-8'

Width: 5'-10'

  • sun
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Lespedeza thunbergii 'Spring Grove' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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More Options

aka Avalanche Miyagino-hagi, Avalanche Thunberg Bush Clover

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-8'

Width: 5'-10'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Lespedeza thunbergii 'Avalanche' by Karl Gercens III
View Plant
+10 more Lespedeza
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