Round-headed Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata)

Round-headed Bush Clover (Lespedeza capitata)

Round‑headed bush clover is a native, perennial legume of prairies, savannas, and open fields across Wisconsin and much of the eastern and central United States. It typically grows two to four feet tall—occasionally a bit taller on rich sites—with stiff, upright stems that often persist through winter and add structure to dormant prairie. Its cream‑colored, pea‑shaped flowers with pinkish or purplish throats form dense, rounded heads at the tops of stems. These clusters bloom from mid‑ to late summer and draw native bees, including long‑tongued species, along with butterflies.

The leaves are trifoliate, with narrow to elliptic leaflets that are one to two inches long. Leaflets are softly hairy and show distinct venation; the leaf stalks are very short. Stems are also hairy. The plant favors dry to mesic soils in full sun and is common in sandy prairies, old fields, and open savanna ground.

As a legume, it contributes nitrogen to the soil and supports plant diversity. Its deep taproot improves infiltration and anchors the plant during drought, making it valuable in restoration. Wildlife use is well documented: deer and rabbits browse the foliage; upland game birds feed on the seeds; and quail, turkeys, and doves readily consume the nutlets. The eastern‑tailed blue and other small butterflies use bush clovers as larval hosts. Across the year, its structure, forage, and seed production make it an important component of prairie wildlife habitat.

Sources:

Illinois Wildflowers — Round‑headed Bush Clover 

USDA NRCS Plant Guide — Lespedeza capitata 

Flora of North America — Lespedeza capitata 

Wisconsin State Herbarium — Species Account 

Prairie Moon Nursery — Round‑headed Bush Clover 

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — Plant Database Entry

(SF)