Bush Clover, Round-headed

Round-headed Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata)

Round-headed Bush Clover is a native perennial shrub that thrives in dry, sunny areas, producing clusters of white to pale purple flowers atop tall, wiry stems. This hardy plant is ideal for prairies, meadows, and pollinator gardens, where it plays a vital role in supporting wildlife and improving soil health. Known for its nitrogen-fixing properties, Round-headed Bush Clover enriches the soil and attracts a variety of pollinators and birds.

Key Characteristics

• Attracts pollinators and birds: The nectar-rich flowers of Round-headed Bush Clover attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, including native bees and skippers. After blooming, the plant produces seed heads that provide food for birds like sparrows and finches, enhancing its value for wildlife.

• Nitrogen-fixing properties: As a member of the legume family, this plant improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil, making it an excellent choice for regenerating degraded landscapes or enriching prairies and meadows.

• Supports biodiversity: This native species plays a crucial role in supporting beneficial insects and small wildlife, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. It provides cover and food for various insects, which in turn support higher levels of biodiversity.

• Traditional medicinal uses: While not commonly used in modern herbal medicine, some Native American tribes used the plant for medicinal purposes, primarily the leaves and stems, which were brewed into teas to treat digestive issues and as a general tonic.

Product Details

• Native range: Eastern and Central North America
• Plant life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained soils
• Mature height: 3 to 5 feet
• Bloom time: July to September
• Bloom color: White to pale purple
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3-9

Round-headed Bush Clover is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to support wildlife, improve soil health, and add a hardy, native plant to their landscape. Its ecological benefits and drought tolerance make it a valuable addition to meadows, prairies, or naturalized areas.