Round-headed Bush Clover

(Lespedeza capitata)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Round-headed Bush clover (Lespedeza capitata Michx.)

Identification: An erect plant. Flowers white shaded with lavender near their bases, arranged in compact, bristly, rounded clusters near the top of the plant. Leaves with 3 leaflets, each leaflet elongate-ovate. Leaf petioles short and leaves crowded about stem. Plant 2 to 5 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America and the Prairie States.

Habitat: Round-headed Bush Clover is found in sandy or other dry soils in open areas.

Flowering period: August to September.

Similar Species: The white flowers in compact, bristly, round heads near the top of the plant are distinctive for this species.

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