Lespedeza capitata, Round-headed Bush Clover

 Pictures to come!

 

I first saw this pea family plant growing in the prairie at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in Anoka County. This tells me, along with the amount of herbarium records in the sandier Minnesota counties, that Round-headed Bush Clover will be a great addition to sand prairie yards and fields. It is also a great plant to provide for all kinds of wildlife, from insects to birds to mammals. Throughout the growing season, its leaves are silvery green, while its deep brown stems and seed heads stand tall, providing structure and interest through the winter.

Blooms: creamy-white with pink throat, July into September

Height: 2 to 4 feet

Conditions: Sun to pt sun, well-drained
medium to dry soils