Lespedeza capitata aka Round Head Bush Clover

Lespedeza capitata is a perennial in the bean family, Fabaceae. Gardeners know it as round-headed bush clover. Its native range covers north-central and eastern parts of the United States. PFAF also lists it in southern Ontario. It grows in prairies, meadows, woods, and along woodland edges. Other sites include sand dunes, dry fields, and roadsides. It occurs across North Carolina, from coast to mountains.

The plant has an upright form with green, ridged stems. Garden plants reach 2–5 feet [0.61–1.52 metres] in height. Chicago Botanic Garden gives a height of 4 feet [1.22 metres]. The listed spread is 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres]. NC State also reports widths reaching 3 feet [0.91 metres]. Fine white hairs cover both stems and leaves. The green leaves grow in turn along each stem. Each leaf has three oval leaflets with smooth edges. Short stalks join the leaves to the stems. The leaflets have clear central veins and silky hairs beneath.

Small white flowers open from August through October. They form dense heads near the tops of stems. Hairy bracts surround the flowers, which barely extend beyond them. Each flower has five petals and a purple throat mark. The flower heads give the plant its round-headed name. Fuzzy brown pods follow, each holding a single seed. The fruits show from September through November and remain into winter. Birds and small mammals eat the seeds. Bees visit the blooms, and eastern tailed-blue larvae use the plant.

Full sun suits this plant, though it also accepts part shade. Grow it in soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and shallow rocky ground. Poor, sandy soil can suit it well. Soil moisture can range from dry to moist. Established plants withstand drought and need little upkeep. Sources list USDA hardiness zones 4–8. Use it in native gardens, meadows, or open woodland plantings. It can help limit soil loss on slopes. As a legume, it adds nitrogen to the soil.

Sources report no major insect or disease problems. Deer and rabbits may browse the plants. It may seed itself when conditions suit it. PFAF reports that people have boiled its leaves for tea. That source lists no known hazards, rather than proven safety. It also records traditional medicinal uses and experimental research. The value of its extract for chronic kidney disease remains disputed.